Tommy Hottovy Explains Why Cubs Closer Daniel Palencia Is Struggling
After a dominant start, a flexor strain and plummeting velocity have derailed the right-hander's season. Tommy Hottovy identifies the mechanical and confidence issues fueling this late-season collapse.
Video Transcript
What is up Cubs fans and welcome back to Cubs Roundtable.
I'm Joey Polizzi talking about all things Cubs.
And Daniel Palencia entered the season as the clear Cubs number one bullpen arm in that closer role.
He was really good last year in a breakout campaign.
And this year, Palencia got off to a good start, 2.7 ERA in his first 19 appearances with the Cubs.
Only had three saves through mid-June, but a lot of that was due to the Cubs not playing a lot of close games in the first two months of the season.
But since Palencia landed on the injured list in mid-June due to a right flexor strain, and since we're coming back from the injured list a few weeks ago, Palencia has not been that same pitcher on the mound.
Really struggling in each of his last four appearances.
Tuesday came into the game in a high leverage spot.
Runners in scoring position.
Palencia had a chance to get the Cubs out of a jam.
Instead, he allowed four runs in that inning.
Two were credited to Matthew Boyd and two more were credited to him when he allowed a two-run home run to Christian Yelich that eventually Brewers winded up winning that game.
And then on Wednesday, came in six to five game.
Cubs were losing in that contest, but Palencia gave up another run in that outing.
Cubs couldn't come back from it.
So Palencia not looking great here.
Has a lot of run in each of his last four appearances and four of his five appearances since coming off the injured list in mid-August.
So obviously not great news from Palencia.
And we kind of know why now Palencia might be struggling.
Tommy Harvey went on 104.3 The Score on Thursday and basically said that Palencia didn't really feel right mechanically during his rehab assignment with the Iowa Cubs.
And the Cubs still kind of pushed him.
Cubs kind of pushed him up.
And Craig Counsell just kind of put him into high leverage spots right away.
And that's probably not the best thing for Palencia, who has probably no confidence right now on the mound and still kind of working through some things.
So for the time being, Palencia, it's clear that he needs to be kind of put in more le- low leverage spots right now as he kind of builds that confidence back up.
But let me know what you guys think about Palencia and what do you think his role should be moving forward?
And as always, guys, go Cubs go.
