The Cubs bullpen has survived a rash of injuries because of outings like Ben Brown’s.
Brown closed Saturday’s 2-0 win with two scoreless innings. The righty continued to show he’s a different pitcher than the one who struggled in 2025, and became the seventh Cubs pitcher to record a save.
“I’m not really surprised by it when you know that group of guys,” Brown said.
An important member of that group could be coming back soon.
Reliever Daniel Palencia (left oblique strain) was in the Cubs clubhouse Saturday, a day after throwing two-thirds of an inning for Triple-A Iowa when his fastball got as high as 102 mph.
Manager Craig Counsell said if Palencia felt good Saturday, he’d be activated in the next couple days.
“Bullpens can be fickle but obviously we’re getting a player that we really believe in and has pitched really big innings for us,” Counsell said. “Getting healthy helps every team.”
Even with the rash of injuries, the Cubs bullpen has been better than serviceable. Entering Saturday, the Cubs’ relievers had a 3.88 ERA (11th best in baseball) and a 1.25 WHIP that was sixth-best in the sport.
Reserve judgment
Nico Hoerner (neck) was not in the lineup Saturday but the Cubs were hoping he would return Sunday. The Cubs second baseman did some running and took swings, but the discomfort was still present enough for Hoerner to take a day.
Because of how well the bench has played this season, Counsell has the luxury of being extra cautious if he chooses.
Matt Shaw, who played in place of Hoerner, has started games at five positions (right field, second base, third base, first base, center field) but is still managing to produce offensively. He’s hitting .278 and slugging .468.
Counsell is impressed by Shaw’s versatility. During his 2025 rookie year, Shaw started 114 times, exclusively at third base. Outside of third base, Shaw only played six innings at second.
“He’s started games at four positions he never started at in the big leagues, he’s played four positions he never played in the big leagues all while continuing his development in a positive way as an offensive player, picking up where he left off the second half of last year,” Counsell said.
The Cubs’ bench contributions don’t end with Shaw.
Michael Conforto only has 30 at-bats but is 3 for 8 as a pinch-hitter. Miguel Amaya, who could be considered a semi-starter, has a strong .355 on-base percentage.
Flashing the leather
Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ received their 2025 Gold Gloves before the game. The Cubs were also presented their team Gold Glove award.
Dansby Swanson, a Gold Glove shortstop in 2022 and 2023, reminded people of his defensive prowess.
Swanson had three assists in both the sixth and ninth innings. To end the top of the third, he fielded the carom of a Ketel Marte line drive off the glove of Shota Imanaga for the out. To begin the ninth, Swanson was playing near second base and ranged to his right to nab a Corbin Carroll grounder.
“I’ve seen it before,” Happ said. “I’ve seen it plenty of times. It never surprises me.”