Daniel Palencia

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed on Wednesday that Daniel Palencia will be the team's closer to open the season.

Fantasy Impact

Palencia broke out in 2025, posting a 2.91 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with 61 strikeouts and 16 walks across 52.2 innings. He converted 22 of 25 save opportunities and will handle ninth-inning duties to open the season. He is typically the 18th relief pitcher off the board in fantasy drafts, offering solid value, especially pitching on a team that won 92 games in 2025.

The Cubs have activated Daniel Palencia (shoulder) from the 15-day IL.

Fantasy Impact

Palencia will return after landing on the IL in early September with a shoulder strain. Palencia will likely get a few opportunities to enter a game before gearing up for the postseason.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that Daniel Palencia will likely be activated from the 15-day injured list on Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact

In his only rehab appearance on Saturday with Triple-A Iowa, Palencia pitched two-thirds of an inning, striking out two batters and allowing one unearned run on two hits. He should return to a high-leverage role out of the bullpen.

Daniel Palencia made a rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, striking out two batters and allowing one unearned run on two hits in two-thirds of an inning.

Fantasy Impact

With his rehab assignment underway, Palencia is progressing toward a return and could be activated during the Cubs' final homestand of the season. The team's last homestand begins on Tuesday against the New York Mets.

Daniel Palencia is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Friday.

Fantasy Impact

Palencia has been on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain since September 8. He played catch on Friday and resumed mound work on Monday. He will now begin a rehab assignment this weekend and is on track to return before the end of the regular season.