Palencia is on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder strain; diagnostic catch is being used to gauge progress before a potential return to the mound, with his closer role in flux.

Palencia landed on the IL with a right shoulder strain, triggering a bullpen reshuffle and elevating Kittredge’s ninth-inning chances for the Cubs.

Palencia's shoulder strain ends an impressive closer run; Keller and Kittredge are expected to contend for ninth-inning chances as Chicago navigates the injury. Fantasy managers should track bullpen usage closely for save probabilities.

Palencia’s breakout season ends with a right shoulder strain that lands him on the 15-day IL after converting 22 saves; Chicago must reallocate ninth-inning duties between Keller and Kittredge while Palencia recovers.

Palencia’s IL stint creates late-inning volatility in Chicago’s bullpen. His absence elevates the closing risk and prompts the staff to lean on other arms for back-end work, a shift that could influence late-season wins and postseason readiness.