Cubs' Daniel Palencia Returns to Bullpen After Injury-Plagued Season, Assad Optioned to Triple-A Iowa

SEATTLE, WA - The Chicago Cubs have activated hard-throwing reliever Daniel Palencia from the 60-day injured list, a move that has direct implications for Iowa baseball fans. To make room on the active roster, the Cubs optioned right-hander Javier Assad to Triple-A Iowa, where he will continue to serve as valuable pitching depth for the organization.

Palencia, 26, announced his return in typical fashion on Friday morning, posting a montage video of himself pitching on Instagram with the caption, “Hey Siri, play gasolina...” - a nod to his entrance music, “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee.

Palencia's Road Back from Injury

The Venezuelan righty grew into Chicago's closer last season, recording 22 saves with a 2.91 ERA in 54 outings. He also worked as a high-leverage fireman during the postseason and clinched the World Baseball Classic triumph for Venezuela this past spring.

However, the 2026 season has been a challenging one for Palencia. A left oblique strain in April sidelined him initially, followed by a flexor strain in his right elbow in June. After a five-game Minor League rehab stint, Palencia says he's ready to get rolling again.

“I've been growing up since that last playoffs,” Palencia said. “I feel like I'm a new pitcher right now. I feel way more confident and I've been working a lot this offseason and during the season, doing my recovery. I'm just trying to be me. I don't want to change anything. I just want to keep attacking the hitters and I just want to be the 'Gasolina.' Just throw the heat.”

Building Back to High-Leverage Role

Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized that the priority for Palencia's comeback is getting him into games regularly to build back up to earning high-leverage chances. Righty Jacob Webb (2.25 ERA in 56 games) currently serves as the primary closer.

Palencia has logged just 16 2/3 innings across 19 appearances this season, posting a 2.70 ERA with 19 strikeouts against six walks. Counsell believes the young righty has the capability to pitch in big moments again.

“This is a player capable of pitching in big innings,” Counsell said. “We've got to get him back to being that pitcher. So, that's what we're going to try to do. And I think also, it's just Danny needs to pitch to get back there, too. One of the biggest things, he just needs to get innings under his belt. And the more innings we can get him, the better, kind of in my eyes.”

Palencia said he is ready for whatever innings Counsell has to offer.

“I'm 100% open,” Palencia said. “I'm here to help my team. I'm open to every opportunity. I just want to pitch. I just want to be that guy, that guy you can trust.”

Assad's Demotion About Depth, Not Performance

The decision to option Assad to Triple-A Iowa was not performance-based, according to Counsell. Assad has posted a 2.24 ERA in 64 1/3 innings between starting and relieving since the beginning of May.

The Cubs manager explained that the move was about maintaining as much depth as possible, given that other relievers on the staff do not have Minor League options. Assad will make a start in his next appearance with Iowa.

“Look, the way Javy's pitched definitely doesn't warrant going to the Minor Leagues,” Counsell said. “The other decisions mean we lose the pitcher forever. And in Javy's case, he is there in case somebody were to get hurt. That's, really, what this is about.”

Arias Added to Active Roster

In addition to the pitching moves, the Cubs officially added infielder Gabriel Arias, claimed off waivers from the Mets on Wednesday, to the active roster. Chicago designated Owen Miller for assignment to clear a spot.

Arias provides the Cubs with a backup shortstop behind Nico Hoerner while Dansby Swanson (10-day IL) is out with a left oblique injury. Utility man Matt Shaw, Chicago's other backup at the position, is currently on a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa, working back from a sprained left hand.

“With Dansby's injury,” Counsell said, “we didn't feel like we had another true shortstop in the organization. And Gabriel is someone who's played a lot of shortstop in the Major Leagues.”

Counsell said Shaw will remain with Iowa for a handful of games in the upcoming week and should be ready to advance to back-to-back games the following week. The manager added that, if needed, Shaw might be available for the Cubs by the next homestand, but the preference is to get him a larger volume of at-bats since he has been out since late June.

What This Means for Iowa Cubs Fans

For Iowa Cubs fans, the moves bring notable talent to Des Moines. Assad's arrival strengthens the Triple-A rotation, while Shaw's rehab assignment continues. The organization's commitment to maintaining depth at all levels ensures that Iowa remains a critical piece of the Cubs' success strategy.