Before their series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Chicago Cubs announced that veteran reliever Julian Merryweather would be placed in the IL. It’s a right shoulder strain for the second-year Cub, who has already made four appearances this season. In 4 2/3 innings pitched, Merryweather has struck out six batters while only walking two. The 32-year-old has a 1.93 ERA and a 1.286 WHIP to show for his work in the early going in 2024. This is a hit for the Cubs bullpen that hasn’t seen an injury affect them so far to begin the season.
Julian Merryweather placed on 15-day IL with right shoulder strain (retroactive to 4/6).
RHP Daniel Palencia recalled.
— Andy Martínez (@amartinez_11) April 7, 2024
Veteran Reliever Merryweather Heads to IL
Revitalization for Merryweather
2023 was a big year in Merryweather’s career. The former Toronto Blue Jay came to Chicago on a minor league deal in spring training. He quickly received a big role out of the bullpen when the regular season began thanks to his impressive camp showing.
Merryweather appeared in 69 games for the Cubs in 2023. In 72 innings, he recorded a 3.38 ERA with a 1.306 WHIP. The right-hander also finished second in FIP amongst Cubs relievers at 3.52, behind only Adbert Alzolay (3.02). Merryweather’s heavy heater immediately impacted a bullpen that didn’t possess a ton of velocity. His statistical production along with his solid pitch mix made it an easy decision for the Cubs to bring him back in 2024.
JULIAN MERRYWEATHER GETS SHOHEI OHTANI TO FLY OUT TO CENTER FIELD! INNING OVER.
(📸: @WatchMarquee) pic.twitter.com/OOiX4L2089
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) April 5, 2024
New Arm Added to the ‘Pen
In the corresponding move, Daniel Palencia will get the call from Triple-A Iowa to join the club. Palencia made his big league debut last summer for the Cubs and appeared in 27 games between a couple of stints. The San Carlos, Venezuela native threw 28 1/3 innings for the Cubs a season ago. He posted a 4.45 ERA and a 1.271 WHIP while having a 2.4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Similar to Merryweather, Palencia brings high velocity to the table. However, command has been an issue in the young right-hander’s past, which could cause problems if it wasn’t resolved in the offseason. Palencia joins a bullpen with other right-handers that include first-year Cub Hector Neris, Alzolay, and Mark Leiter Jr.
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