The Cubs have placed closer Daniel Palencia on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation. Right-hander Gavin Hollowell has been recalled to take his place on the roster. Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune was among those to pass along the news.

Palencia got the win in last night’s game, pitching a scoreless top of the ninth with the Cubs down 4-3 before they walked it off with two in the ninth. There wasn’t any indication that anything was amiss at the time but it appears some discomfort popped up after the game or perhaps this morning.

It’s unclear how serious the issue is but it’s a blow nonetheless. Palencia has been the club’s closer for over a year now. Dating back to the start of 2025, he has saved 25 games while posting a 2.86 earned run average with a 28% strikeout rate and 7.7% walk rate. He already missed time earlier this year due to an oblique strain. Perhaps the club will have some more information soon but it’s always worrisome when a pitcher’s throwing elbow is involved.

Losing Palencia at any time would be tough but the injury occurring at this time compounds on ongoing problem for the club, as he is now the ninth pitcher on the IL, joining Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele, Hunter Harvey, Porter Hodge, Riley Martin and Shelby Miller. The Cubs seem likely to pursue pitching help ahead of the trade deadline. If Palencia’s injury ultimately proves to be serious, then that would only increase their desire.

For now, they will have to cover the late innings without him. Jacob Webb, Caleb Thielbar, Hoby Milner and Phil Maton have been working setup roles and each should move up one slot on the chart now.

Photo courtesy of Matt Marton, Imagn Images