Chicago Cubs activate reliever Daniel Palencia — out since June — from the 60-day injured list

SEATTLE — The Chicago Cubs bullpen has “La Gasolina” back.

The Cubs activated right-handed reliever Daniel Palencia from the 60-day injured list before Friday’s series opener against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. In a corresponding move, the Cubs optioned right-hander Javier Assad to Triple-A Iowa.

Palencia isn’t expected to slide back into the closer role immediately as the Cubs look to ease him back with a focus on his workload. The 26-year-old has been limited to 16⅔ innings in 19 big-league appearances this year because of an oblique strain and a flexor strain. The latter had sidelined Palencia since June 16.

“For me, having this opportunity to be part of this and to have the chance to help the team is awesome for me,” Palencia said Friday. “Like, that’s what I want to be. I want to be part of this thing.

“I’m here to help my team, and I’m here open to every opportunity. I just want to pitch. Just want to be that guy, you know? That guy you can trust.”

Veteran right-hander Jacob Webb stepped up in Palencia’s absence. Webb owns a 23-game scoreless-appearance streak dating to June 24. During that stretch, Webb has allowed 12 hits and 10 walks while striking out 24 batters in 23⅔ innings with seven saves.

Palencia saved 22 games for the Cubs in 2025, when he posted a 2.91 ERA and struck out 61 batters in 52⅔ innings over 54 appearances.

The Cubs also added infielder Gabriel Arias to the roster after claiming him off waivers from the New York Mets and designated infielder Owen Miller for assignment.

Arias, 26, spent most of this season with the Cleveland Guardians, posting a .244/.284/.386 slash line in 42 games. He gives the Cubs a better defense-first shortstop to back up Nico Hoerner while Dansby Swanson is on the IL with a left oblique strain that likely will sideline him for at least four weeks.