Cubs’ Daniel Palencia Shines in Postseason Opener Against Padres

CHICAGO, IL — A little over three weeks ago, Daniel Palencia was doubled over in pain on the Wrigley Field mound, enduring a shoulder injury that many feared would sideline him for the rest of the season. But on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, he proved his resilience in a critical game against the San Diego Padres, helping the Cubs secure a 3-1 victory in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series.

After a pair of tune-up outings, Palencia returned to action but was no longer the team’s closer, a role he’d earned through a stellar season. Instead, veterans Brad Keller and Andrew Kittredge took over the late-inning responsibilities. Rather than sulking, Palencia embraced a flexible role when his manager, Craig Counsell, advised him to be prepared for any situation.

That moment came in the fifth inning, with the Cubs trailing 1-0 and a runner on first base. Counsell pulled starter Matthew Boyd and called on Palencia, who quickly struck out Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Arraez with just five pitches, keeping the game close.

“He was closing,” Counsell said. “This is the same to me. The way that outing happened and what the result was is like closing.”

The Cubs took the lead in the bottom of the fifth, hitting two consecutive solo home runs. Counsell then sent Palencia back out for the sixth inning, marking a significant challenge as he hadn’t pitched more than three outs in nearly four months.

“My mindset was just be aggressive,” Palencia said. “I’m the guy for that situation. I know they are great hitters, but I’m a great pitcher, too.”

Palencia struck out star hitters Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill before retiring Xander Bogaerts, showcasing his readiness for the postseason. Keller praised Palencia’s performance, calling it a turning point in the game as he gained confidence with each pitch.

“When he’s on, it’s electric,” Keller said. “It’s a lot of fun to watch.”

Following Palencia’s outing, the bullpen continued to dominate, retiring nine straight hitters to close out the game. Palencia’s contribution was crucial even if it didn’t occur in traditional high-leverage moments.

<p“Him throwing up five outs in five hitters and going through the heart of their lineup makes sense,” Counsell said. “Credit to Danny for putting the game back together.”

Earlier in the season, Palencia faced struggles but rededicated himself during the offseason, changing his mindset and focusing on his physical health. It paid off, as he earned his way back into the big leagues mid-April, eventually reclaiming a prominent role on the team.

“I’ve been preparing my body and my mind since the offseason,” Palencia said. “This is the moment I want to be there. We’re ready.”

As Palencia celebrated with the fans after the final outs, he expressed gratitude for being back in the postseason atmosphere. “Just adrenaline,” he said, reflecting on the electric environment at Wrigley Field.

With this win, the Cubs secured their first postseason victory since 2017, showcasing the potential for what the rest of the series may hold.