SEATTLE — The Chicago Cubs bullpen has “La Gasolina” back.
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The Cubs activated right-handed reliever Daniel Palencia from the 60-day injured list before Friday’s series opener against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. In a corresponding move, the Cubs optioned right-hander Javier Assad to Triple-A Iowa.
Palencia isn’t expected to slide back into the closer role immediately as the Cubs look to ease him back with a focus on his workload.
“This is a player capable of pitching in big innings, we’ve got to get him back to being that pitcher, and so that’s what we’re going to try to do,” manager Craig Counsell said. “I think also just Danny needs to pitch to get back there too. One of the biggest things he needs is to get innings under his belt, and the more innings we can get him, the better in my eyes with obviously prioritizing his health as well.
“The more innings we can get him on a regular schedule like that, that’s what I think is going to get him back the fastest.”
The 26-year-old has been limited to 16 2/3 innings in 19 big-league appearances this year because of an oblique strain and a flexor strain. The latter had sidelined Palencia since June 16.
“For me, having this opportunity to be part of this and to have the chance to help the team is awesome for me,” Palencia said “Like, that’s what I want to be. I want to be part of this thing.
“I’m here to help my team, and I’m here open to every opportunity. I just want to pitch. Just want to be that guy, you know? That guy you can trust.”
The decision to send Assad back to Triple A came down solely to roster-construction limitations. Assad was one of only three pitchers currently in the bullpen, along with Ryan Rolison and Ryan Zeferjahn, who had a minor-league option available. Despite his great performance this season, featuring a 2.24 ERA in 64 1/3 innings since May, Assad is the odd man out. He will stretch out again while he’s at Iowa with his next start likely coming Tuesday.
Ultimately the Cubs felt there are too many regular-season games remaining to sacrifice non-optionable pitchers.
“The way Javy’s pitched definitely doesn’t warrant going to the minor leagues,” Counsell said. “We also have to, the other decisions mean we lose the pitcher forever, and in Javy’s case, he is there in case somebody would get hurt, and that’s really what this is about. So, that’s preserving depth and making a decision.
“Essentially, we don’t feel like enough season has ticked off to change that mode of operating right now.”
Veteran right-hander Jacob Webb stepped up in Palencia’s absence. Webb owns a 23-game scoreless appearance streak dating to June 24. During that stretch, Webb has allowed 12 hits and 10 walks while striking out 24 batters in 23 2/3 innings with seven saves.
Palencia saved 22 games for the Cubs in 2025, when he posted a 2.91 ERA and struck out 61 batters in 52 2/3 innings over 54 appearances. His success last year and a stellar performance for Venezuela en route to helping his country win the World Baseball Classic in March has been followed by an otherwise frustrating season. Palencia described 2026 as a crazy year, that he never wants to be hurt.
“I think that’s a beautiful part of the baseball: You always can come back, and that’s the chance now,” Palencia said. “I want to take all my opportunities now and just learning from everything, like taking care of myself better now.”
The Cubs also added infielder Gabriel Arias to the roster after claiming him off waivers from the New York Mets and designated infielder Owen Miller for assignment.
Arias, 26, spent most of this season with the Cleveland Guardians, posting a .244/.284/.386 slash line in 42 games. He gives the Cubs a better defense-first shortstop to back up Nico Hoerner while Dansby Swanson is on the IL with a left oblique strain that likely will sideline him for at least four weeks.