Daniel Palencia Making Rehab Outing with I-Cubs Friday

There was some hope that closer Daniel Palencia could be activated on Friday without first making a rehab appearance, but the Cubs still want him to pass one more test before taking him off the injured list. The Iowa Cubs are in St. Paul to take on the Saints, and Craig Counsell told reporters prior to Friday’s game with the Diamondbacks that Palencia will pitch for the Triple-A affiliate.

Even if he feels good following that appearance, it’s entirely likely that he won’t be reinstated until Monday against the Reds. The Cubs surely won’t want Palencia going on back-to-back days, so Sunday is probably the earliest he’d be back with them even if he feels great after Friday’s rehab outing.

The I-Cubs play at 6:37pm CT in case you are interested in following along to see how Palencia does.