Cubs Injury Updates: Palencia Throwing Pen Tuesday, Martin to Chicago for Imaging

Craig Counsell offered updates on two injured relievers, and it sounds like closer Daniel Palencia could be in line for a “soon-ish” return. The righty was shut down on April 17 following three days of symptoms that then flared up during conditioning, but the Cubs were able to backdate his IL stint by three days. What was originally called a left oblique strain was later clarified as a lat strain, which isn’t necessarily any less ominous.

Palencia was doing some conditioning work on the field at Dodger Stadium prior to Sunday’s game, however, so he is trending in the right direction.

“I think Palencia is going in a good direction,” Counsell told reporters. “The next step for him is a pretty big bullpen on Tuesday. I think that’ll give us a pretty clear path to when we’re gonna activate him.”

The news might not be as positive for lefty Riley Martin, who was placed on the IL with elbow inflammation and is heading back to Chicago for additional testing. With the team still in Southern California for three games against the Padres, it may be a few days before we learn the extent of his issue. The Cubs can ill afford another significant loss at this point, so let’s manifest some positive vibes for a mild diagnosis.