Sometimes the most straightforward advice proves the most valuable.
Daniel Palencia, a hard-throwing reliever for the Chicago Cubs, has shown flashes of dominance in his first two MLB seasons, thanks to a fastball that touches triple digits and a solid mix of secondary pitches. But control has been an issue — over 43 innings, he’s issued 26 walks, resulting in a 1.44 WHIP and regular shuttles between Triple-A Iowa and the majors.
This season, veteran reliever Ryan Pressly offered Palencia a blunt but helpful tip:
“‘You’re too nasty. Just throw strikes, and that’s all you need to do,’” Pressly told him, according to Palencia via Marquee Sports Network.
Daniel Palencia Heeds Ryan Pressly’s Advice, Stays ‘In the Zone’
Palencia has clearly embraced the advice. Since being recalled from Triple-A Iowa on April 15, he’s thrown 18.2 innings, striking out 19 while allowing just nine hits and seven walks — good for an impressive 0.86 WHIP.
“I really like what I’m seeing from Palencia this year,” Brett Taylor said on the May 22 episode of the Bleacher Nation podcast. “He looks much more consistent. After a couple years of bouncing between the minors and majors, he’s starting to settle in — and this is exactly the kind of growth you want to see from a young bullpen arm.”
His emergence comes at a crucial time for a Cubs bullpen that has been teetering on chaos. Ryan Pressly, acquired in the offseason to serve as closer, has struggled and was recently moved out of high-leverage spots to focus on regaining his swing-and-miss stuff. Meanwhile, Porter Hodge — who saved nine games and posted a 1.88 ERA in 2024 — was handed the closer job but landed on the 15-day injured list on May 18 with a left oblique strain. Manager Craig Counsell said Monday that Hodge isn’t progressing and is likely facing an extended absence.
Daniel Palencia ‘Looks Crazy Good’ in Closer’s Role for Chicago
Palencia quickly stepped into the closer role, though his first save attempt didn’t go as planned. On May 19, entering the ninth inning with a one-run lead against Miami, he was just one strike away from sealing the win before giving up a ground-rule double, a walk, and a triple, allowing the Marlins to rally for an 8-7 walk-off victory.
However, two days later, Palencia was back on the mound in the ninth with Chicago again up by one. This time, he retired all three batters on flyouts, helping the Cubs secure a 2-1 win.
“It feels great,” Palencia said. “I appreciate the manager’s confidence in giving me another chance. That’s the beauty of baseball — a new opportunity every day. I’m just happy to get the job done.”
Since then, Palencia has appeared in two more games, earning saves in both while allowing only one hit over two innings, issuing no walks, and striking out three.
“He looks absolutely dominant,” said Michael Cerami, co-host of Brett Taylor’s podcast.