Injury troubles hit the Cubs as closer Daniel Palencia leaves the game with shoulder tightness after a disappointing performance.
May 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) reacts after giving up a walk-off triple against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning at loanDepot Park.
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Chicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia was removed from Sunday’s 6-3 loss to the Washington Nationals with tightness in the posterior of his right shoulder, adding injury concerns to what was already a disastrous outing for the young reliever.
Injury Occurs During Meltdown
The injury became apparent after Palencia threw a 100.4 mph four-seamer that sailed inside on Nationals first baseman Andrés Chaparro in the ninth inning. The 25-year-old flamethrower appeared to grimace as he finished his delivery, then hunched over with his back to home plate and let his glove drop to the ground.
Palencia was visibly frustrated, crouching on the mound and slamming his left hand into the dirt before Cubs manager Craig Counsell and a team trainer approached him. After a brief consultation behind the mound, all three walked off the field together, ending Palencia’s afternoon prematurely.
Complete Ninth-Inning Collapse
The injury capped off a nightmarish performance for Palencia, who entered the ninth inning with the Cubs holding a comfortable 3-1 lead. Instead of securing his 28th save of the season, the closer couldn’t record a single out while facing five batters.
The meltdown began with a leadoff solo home run to Washington center fielder Robert Hassell III, cutting Chicago’s lead to 3-2. After allowing a single and issuing a walk, Palencia surrendered a three-run homer to pinch-hitter Josh Bell that turned a one-run Cubs lead into a 5-3 deficit.
Palencia then gave up a triple to left fielder Daylen Lile, who later scored, before the shoulder tightness forced his exit. The Cubs couldn’t mount a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, suffering a deflating loss.
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Blown Save Adds to Frustration
The performance marked Palencia’s third blown save of the season, adding to the frustration of dealing with a potential injury. The young closer had been relatively reliable for Chicago this season, but Sunday’s collapse highlighted some of the Cubs’ bullpen struggles this season.
The timing couldn’t be worse for both Palencia and the Cubs, as the team continues to battle for playoff positioning in the competitive National League race.
Medical Testing Ahead
According to reports, Palencia is scheduled for medical testing to determine the extent of his shoulder issue. The Cubs should have more information about his status within the next day or two, which will be crucial for their late-season planning.
With the regular season winding down and potential playoff implications on the line, losing their closer for any extended period would be a significant blow to Chicago’s bullpen depth and postseason aspirations.
The Cubs will need to prepare some contingency plans at the closer position while awaiting results on Palencia’s shoulder evaluation.
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