<p>Already down three members of their Opening Day starting rotation, the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs" >Cubs</a> now have to figure out life without their closer, too.</p><p>Right-hander Daniel Palencia hit the injured list with elbow inflammation Tuesday, the ninth-inning man’s second trip to the IL this season. He was previously sidelined with an oblique injury.</p><p>Palencia pitched in the ninth inning of <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/06/15/cubs-pete-crow-armstrong-hit-for-cycle-walk-off-win-rockies-pedro-ramirez-matt-shaw-shota-imanaga" >Monday’s walk-off win</a>, at one point receiving an on-field visit from manager Craig Counsell and a trainer. He stayed in the game and struck out three consecutive batters but felt badly enough that the Cubs deemed an IL stint appropriate.</p><p>“Coming out of the Colorado game [last] Wednesday, he didn’t feel great,” Counsell explained Tuesday.