Cubs closer Daniel Palencia went on the injured list April 17 (retroactive to April 14) with what was originally termed an oblique strain, later amended to a lat injury.
Palencia has thrown a couple of bullpens and one inning in a rehab assignment for Triple-A Iowa last Friday, in which he was throwing over 100 miles per hour without any issues. Before the injury, Palencia had appeared in five MLB games this year, throwing five scoreless innings with three hits and two walks allowed, and five strikeouts.
He has one save in as many opportunities.
To make room for Palencia on the 26-man active roster, right-hander Yacksel Rios was designated for assignment. Rios threw 1.2 scoreless innings of relief against the Dodgers Sunday. He will likely clear waivers and the Cubs can send him back to Iowa, or I’m sure that’s the hope.
He will likely clear waivers and the Cubs can send him back to Iowa, or I’m sure that’s the hope.
This move leaves an open spot on the Cubs’ 40-man roster, so feel free to speculate.
Today’s game preview will post at 11:30 a.m. CT.
