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Palencia Nears Return, But Webb’s Dominance Forces Cubs’ Hand
Cubs Corner: Palencia’s Return, Gausman’s Trade, and the Chase for First Place
Welcome to the Cubs Update!
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just starting to follow baseball, this guide breaks down the latest Chicago Cubs news in simple terms. No confusing stats—just the story.
The Closer Situation: Palencia vs. Webb
What Happened?
Daniel Palencia, a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher, has been on the Injured List (IL)—baseball’s version of the "bench" for hurt players—twice this season. He’s only thrown 16⅔ innings all year because of elbow inflammation.
He’s almost ready to come back, but manager Craig Counsell says: don’t expect him to walk straight into the "closer" role.
Who’s the Closer Right Now?
Jacob Webb has been amazing filling in:
- 2.49 ERA (Earned Run Average — lower is better; this is excellent)
- Zero runs allowed in his last 18 appearances
- Back-to-back perfect 9th innings against the super-powered Dodgers
Important Point:
A "closer" is the pitcher trusted to finish the game when the team is winning by a small margin. It’s a high-pressure job!
The Plan for Palencia
Counsell outlined a careful approach:
- Flexibility first — Palencia will pitch in different situations, not just the 9th inning
- Build up innings — He needs game reps to regain rhythm and prove his elbow is 100%
- No promises — Roles might stay fluid; Webb has earned his spot
Think of it like:
A star student returning from a long illness. You don’t put them straight into the final exam—you let them ease back in with homework and quizzes first.
The Gausman "Revenge Game" That Wasn’t
The Backstory
Kevin Gausman used to pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays. Earlier this season, the Cubs hammered him for 7 runs in one game.
He had this makeup game (a rescheduled rainout) circled on his calendar as his "revenge game"—a chance to shut down his old team.
Then Came the Trade
The Cubs traded for Gausman!
- No revenge game — He’s now on the Cubs
- No facing his old team — His Cubs debut is this weekend in Kansas City, not against Toronto
- His reaction? He joked: "I had this game circled… then I got traded. At first I thought I’d have to pitch against the Blue Jays—that would’ve been weird!"
Fun Fact:
A "makeup game" happens when a rainout gets rescheduled later in the season. It’s like a homework assignment you thought was canceled—then shows up on the due date!
Stuck in Second: The Brewers Problem
The Good News
Since June 11, the Cubs have the best record in the National League:
- 31 wins, 15 losses (.674 winning percentage)
- They’re rolling
The Frustrating Part
The Milwaukee Brewers (division leaders) are almost as hot:
- 29 wins, 18 losses in the same stretch
- Cubs have gained barely any ground
Counsell’s Mindset
"Worrying about it is not going to help me do it. We get an opportunity to play them. That’s when we can worry about it. Other than that, we’ve just got to do our thing."
The Showdown Ahead
Circle August 31 – September 9:
The Cubs and Brewers play 7 times in 10 days.
That’s where the division race gets real.
Summary: What You Need to Know
| Topic | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Palencia | Returning soon, but won’t automatically be closer. Needs innings first. |
| Webb | Has locked down the 9th inning with elite performance. |
| Gausman | Traded to Cubs; "revenge game" vs. Blue Jays canceled. Debuts in KC. |
| Standings | Cubs playing great, but Brewers matching them. Head-to-heads coming soon. |
| Manager’s Message | Stay flexible, focus on today, big games ahead will decide it. |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What is the Injured List (IL)?
A: It’s where teams put players who are hurt and can’t play. They don’t count against the active roster limit while on it.
Q: What does ERA mean?
A: Earned Run Average — the average number of runs a pitcher allows per 9 innings. Lower is better. Under 3.00 is excellent.
Q: Why doesn’t Palencia just take the closer job back?
A: He’s barely pitched all year (only 16⅔ innings). Webb has been lights-out. The Cubs want Palencia to prove he’s healthy and sharp first.
Q: What’s a "makeup game"?
A: A game postponed (usually by rain) that gets rescheduled for a later date—often on a planned off-day.
Q: When do the Cubs play the Brewers next?
A: Seven games between August 31 and September 9. That stretch will likely decide the NL Central.
Final Thought:
The Cubs are playing winning baseball. The bullpen is a strength, a new starter arrives, and the biggest games of the year are on the horizon.
Buckle up—it’s going to be a fun September!
