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Daniel Palencia #48 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates the team's 1-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians in game one of a doubleheader at Progressive Field on April 05, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

The Chicago Cubs have dealt with more than their fair share of injuries early on in the 2026 MLB season. One of those injuries has been closer Daniel Palencia.

Palencia went down with a lat strain and hasn’t pitched since April 12. However, there has been hope that he would be able to return in the near future.

On Wednesday, a new update was shared about Palencia. The Cubs’ fan base is going to be excited to hear the news.

According to a report from Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, Palencia could make his return to the diamond on Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field.

“Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (lat strain) has made enough progress that the team is considering activating him Friday for the start of a three-game series against the Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field,” Mooney wrote on X.

Daniel Palencia Returning Is Big-Time News for the Cubs

Many of the injuries that Chicago has faced thus far have come in the bullpen. Palencia is an elite closer when he’s healthy. He’s going to be a huge part of the Cubs’ World Series aspirations.

So far this season, the 26-year-old pitcher has appeared in five games. He has completed five innings of work and given up no runs. Palencia has struck out five batters and walked two, while only giving up three hits and earning a save.

Last season, Chicago saw Palencia pitch in 54 games. He compiled a 2.91 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, a 3.8 K/BB ratio, 22 saves, six holds, and just three blown saves.

Finishing out games has been an issue for the Cubs in recent years. Palencia has helped them start fixing that issue. With him returning to the mound soon, Chicago will feel much better heading into the ninth inning.

Chicago Has Shown Flashes of World Series Potential So Far

During the MLB offseason, Jed Hoyer made it clear that the Cubs were all-in on winning now. He signed star third baseman Alex Bregman and also acquired pitcher Edward Cabrera in a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins.

At the time of this writing, Chicago holds an 18-12 record after picking up a win on the road against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night.

Looking ahead, the Cubs will face off against the Padres again on Wednesday before getting a day off on Thursday. They will then begin a three-game series against the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Palencia is on track to make his return to the mound against Arizona. It’s about time Chicago received some good news on the injury front.