Daniel Palencia, a reliever for the Chicago Cubs, has been pitching with a heavy heart following the tragic death of his friend and fellow Venezuelan, Luis Guevara, who died in a jet ski accident on June 15. To honor Guevara, Palencia wrote his name and a ribbon image on his caps, stating that this season is dedicated to him. Despite the emotional toll, Palencia has excelled in the closer role, posting a 1.35 ERA and going 8-for-8 in save opportunities since taking over the position in May.

Palencia, known for his impressive 100 mph fastball, has highlighted the importance of mental fortitude in his performance. His manager, Craig Counsell, praised his ability to learn from experiences, pointing to a recent outing where he struck out three batters in a high-pressure situation. Palencia attributes his success to focusing on each pitch and channelling his emotions into his game.