Daniel Palencia is nearing a return from injury but won’t reclaim his closer role—he’s being reimagined as a versatile “out-getter” to pitch in high-leverage spots during the 4th, 5th, or 6th innings. While he was dominant last year with 22 saves after May 21, this season’s early struggles (just 3 saves before injury) and bullpen chaos—including Cabrera’s re-injury, Assad’s rehab shuffle, and Peterson’s rotation-bullpen dance—have forced a new setup. Jacob Webb has stepped up as the de facto closer while Palencia was sidelined, posting saves or wins in his last six outings. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed Palencia’s new role: not a traditional closer, but a situational weapon, echoing his postseason usage. Recent scoreless Triple-A outings, including three strikeouts, have given the Cubs confidence to activate him soon—but not in the save-hungry role he once held.
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