Palencia's Return Boosts Cubs' Push for NL Central

0:00On May 2nd, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Council gave fans a boost before the Diamondback series. Closer, Daniel Palencia is inching toward a return from his lat strain. He'll throw for the Iowa Cubs on Friday, skipping the quicker activations some expected today. It's the smart move after weeks on the shelf. The Cubs pitching staff is banged up bad right now. Bulpin arms like Caleb Theobar with a hamstring pull, Riley Martin, Elbow Trouble and Ethan Roberts' finger issue are all out. Starters Justin Steele had a setback for more time away and prospect Caleb Horton faces missing all of 2026 after Tommy John's surgery. That leaves the team starving for reliable relief in tight spots. They're grinding to grab first place in the National League Central despite the injury wave. Every healthy arm counts big time this stretch. Palencia looked like an elite closer early on. Five outings, just three hits allowed. Zero earned runs, slinging 99 mile per hour fastballs.

1:01Batters chased and whiffed plenty, even if his strikeouts dipped a touch from last year and walks crept up. With Nico Harner exiting Friday's game early, his flamethrower back in the mix lights a fire under the Cubs push for the division crown. This has been MLB News Today, powered by AI.