The Chicago Cubs placed closer Daniel Palencia on the 15-day injured list on Monday afternoon with a right shoulder strain, according to Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor.
In a corresponding move, the Cubs recalled right-handed pitcher Ethan Roberts from Triple-A Iowa.
Palencia has been rock solid at the back-end of the Cubs bullpen this year, until recently. Now, the young reliever will hit the IL for the first time this season.
Cubs Lose Palencia to IL
Palencia is in his third year with the Cubs, but had found his rhythm in 2025. The Cubs’ reliever struggled with a 4.45 ERA across 28.1 innings in 2023 and a 6.14 ERA across 14.2 innings in 2024.
However, Palencia has a 3.00 ERA over a career-high 51 innings pitched in 2025. The 25-year-old didn’t make the opening day roster but quickly burst onto the scene when he had his opportunity, and now leads the Cubs with 22 saves.
The Cubs’ closer had an outstanding 1.36 ERA at the start of August, but has faltered a bit since. In his last seven appearances, Palencia’s ERA is a blistering 14.54. Although, his most recent outing of five runs without recording an out skews those numbers a bit.
With Daniel Palencia down, I would anticipate seeing Brad Keller in save opportunities heading forward.
Keller has a 2.17 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP over 62.1 innings this season.
— The Wrigley Wire (@TheWrigleyWire) September 8, 2025
With Palencia headed to the IL, the Cubs will hope their rising closer can get healthy and return to his pre-August self for a postseason run. In the meantime, look for relievers Brad Keller and Caleb Thielbar, who lead the Cubs’ bullpen in ERA, to be leaned on heavier.
With the move, Chicago recalled fellow reliever, Roberts, who’s pitched nine innings for the Cubs this year, and holds a 6.00 ERA.
However, with Triple-A Iowa, Roberts has a 2.33 ERA across his 38.2 innings with 50 strikeouts.
