The most straightforward guidance can occasionally be the most successful.
Relief pitcher Daniel Palencia threw 43 innings in his first two Major League seasons with the Chicago Cubs, and he undoubtedly had some standout performances. With a variety of off-speed and breaking offerings in addition to a fastball that frequently hits triple digits, Palencia may be a challenge to opposing hitters.
However, with 26 walks during that time, Palencia could also cause himself problems. This would result in a WHIP of 1.44, which is not very impressive, and frequent trips from Triple-A Iowa to Chicago and back.
So earlier this season, veteran reliever Ryan Pressly had a fairly blunt message for the 25-year-old right-hander.
“‘You’re too nasty, so just keep your (expletive) in the zone, and that’s it,’” Palencia told Marquee Sports Network what Pressly stated.
Daniel Palencia Heeds Ryan Pressly’s Advice, Stays ‘In the Zone’
Palencia has acted on such remarks. Palencia has tossed 18.2 innings since being called up from Iowa on April 15 and has a WHIP of 0.86, striking out 19 batters while allowing only nine hits and seven walks.
In the May 22 episode of the “Bleacher Nation” podcast, Brett Taylor stated, “I’m really digging how Palencia looks overall this year.” “His performance has a lot more stability, which I really enjoy because he’s a guy who has had a lot of up-down, up-down looks over the past couple of years and is kind of getting his footing. This is what you would really want the trajectory to look like for a young relief prospect.”
For a Cubs club that was facing bullpen problems that threatened to turn into a complete disaster, the upgrades could not have arrived at a better moment.
Ryan Pressly was recently taken out of the ninth inning and placed in low-leverage situations to focus on producing more swing-and-miss moments. Pressly was acquired throughout the summer with the intention of becoming the team’s closer. The closing duties were initially assigned to Porter Hodge, who recorded nine saves and a 1.88 ERA in 39 appearances as a rookie in 2024. However, Hodge was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 18 due to a left oblique injury, and Cubs manager Craig Counsell stated on Monday that Hodge is “not making progress” and will probably be out for a longer period of time.
Daniel Palencia ‘Looks Crazy Good’ in Closer’s Role for Chicago
Palencia comes in, and despite his initial unsuccessful effort at a save, he has adapted to the job rather well. Palencia was one strike away from making a save in the ninth inning of the May 19 game against Miami, but he gave up a ground-rule double, a walk, and a triple as the Marlins won 8–7 by walk-off.
However, with Chicago ahead by a run two nights later, Palencia was once more summoned to the mound in the ninth inning at Miami. This time, the Cubs hung on to win 2-1 despite Palencia facing three hitters and recording three flyouts.
“It feels fantastic,” Palencia remarked. “I would want to express my gratitude to the management for reaffirming his faith in me. It’s baseball, like I mentioned. That’s what makes baseball so lovely. Every day presents a fresh chance. I’m glad to be working today.
Since then, Palencia has made two appearances and earned the save in each, striking out three and giving up only one hit in the two innings pitched. More significantly, she did not allow any walks.
Michael Cerami, co-host of Taylor’s show, remarked, “He looks crazy good.”
