Cubs place RHP Julian Merryweather on 15-day IL

Field Level Media|published: Sun 7th April, 15:26 2024

Mar 31, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Julian Merryweather (66) pitches during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs at Globe Life Field. credits: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs will miss a key bullpen component for at least a couple of weeks, placing right-handed reliever Julian Merryweather on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to Saturday, with a right shoulder strain.

In a corresponding move, the Cubs recalled right-handed reliever Daniel Palencia from Triple-A Iowa.

Merryweather, 32, has made four appearances, all in relief, this season for Chicago, and has a 1.93 ERA with six strikeouts and two walks over 4 2/3 innings of work. He pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays 2020-22 before joining the Cubs last season.

In the Cubs' win Friday over the Los Angeles Dodgers, Merryweather went 1 1/3 innings, allowing a hit and striking out James Outman, Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts.

Palencia, 24, was 5-3 with Chicago last season, his first in the big leagues, appearing in 27 games (no starts) with a 4.45 ERA, striking out 33 in 28 1/3 innings.

-Field Level Media