Palencia’s five-out relief sequence against San Diego and his clean subsequent innings made him the pivotal figure in Game 1, amplifying Chicago’s late-inning depth.

Palencia's return from a shoulder injury provided Counsell with a trusted multi-inning option, delivering a five-out relief outing against the Padres' top-order and stabilizing the mid-inning frame. His effectiveness signals a strengthened Cubs bullpen capable of handling high-leverage spots in October.

Palencia returned from IL and anchored the fifth and sixth, throwing triple digits and quieting the crowd with key outs. His performance is a testament to the bullpen’s resilience and to Counsell’s willingness to lean on trusted, high-velocity arms in postseason pressure.

Palencia is a two-pitch closer candidate with a 99.6 mph fastball and a dominant present, relying on velocity and a rising action. In high-leverage spots, his heater and slider could drive his late-inning fantasy upside, especially if used in multi-inning frames.

Palencia’s return is a potential bullpen boost; his availability could redefine late-inning confidence and provide a strong back end to the Cubs’ relief corps, with implications for saves, holds, and matchup-driven leverage.