The Cubs got a little good news and a little bad news on the injury front Friday, and the biggest update landed where Chicago can least afford it: the back end of the bullpen.
Craig Counsell met with reporters before the Cubs’ game against the Minnesota Twins and said Daniel Palencia is “making progress” but not “moving forward.” That’s the kind of language that matters, because it means the closer’s return has already been pushed from early August to mid-August. Palencia hasn’t pitched since June 15, and the Cubs have felt that absence in the late innings.
That’s a tough turn for a pitcher who entered the year with real momentum. After a breakout 2025 season and a dominant run in the World Baseball Classic, Palencia looked like a major piece.
Instead, he’s been limited to three saves and just 16 2/3 innings this season. With the Cubs trying to stay afloat, his status only sharpens the pressure on Jed Hoyer to add help before the deadline - not just a starter, but a real late-inning arm.
There was at least some clarity on the rest of the injury picture. Hoby Milner is moving in the right direction after his emergency appendectomy and is expected back in early August.
The veteran left-hander, in his first season with Chicago, has posted a 3.53 ERA in 38 appearances and last worked on June 25. With Caleb Thielbar struggling, getting Milner back would give the Cubs another trusted lefty for the final two months.
Matt Shaw, though, is going to be out longer. Counsell said the utilityman, who has a left hand sprain, is still dealing with symptoms.
“He's tried some things in the cage; it's getting better, but it's still there... We have to wait for it to be gone, so that's definitely going to be longer. We're not swinging a bat at this point.”
Shaw’s absence matters for more than one reason. He gives the Cubs defensive flexibility, can contribute enough with the bat, and helps Counsell manage workloads during the hottest part of the summer.
He also remains a name that could surface in trade conversations, especially since his name came up often in rumors last summer. If he gets healthy, that possibility figures to come up again.
The other update from Counsell involved Jameson Taillon, who is working back from a left hamstring strain. He is expected to be the first player back and will be active in the Tiger series, though the exact day is still to be determined.
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