Cubs Activate Marcus Stroman, Option Daniel Palencia

Stroman, who suffered a rib injury earlier this season, hasn’t pitched in a game since July 31 against the Cincinnati Reds. After injuring his rib while returning from a separate injury, it was assumed the 2023 All-Star was done for the season.

But after whispers that Stroman began throwing bullpen sessions, in addition to rumors of his rib healing faster than expected, the Cubs have regained a viable arm on their pitching staff at a crucial time of the season.

It’s assumed that Stroman will be used as a bullpen arm, as Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said earlier this week that the two-time All-Star is willing to fill any role that the team needs, even if it means pitching from the bullpen.

And it makes the most sense.

With closer Adbert Alzolay hitting the IL thanks to a forearm strain, and the limited amount of time Stroman has had to stretch out, starting games seems out of the question. Could we see a Stro-Close-Show in the near future? It’s worth at least trying it right? With Mark Leiter Jr. not his first-half self as of late, and Julian Merryweather looking comfortable in his eighth inning role, why not give Stroman a chance to close games?

Either way, no matter what Stroman’s role is in the pitching staff, it’ll be nice to have another quality arm in the Cubs’ effort to make a playoff push.

To make room for Stroman on the roster, the Cubs optioned righty Daniel Palencia to Triple-A Iowa.

In 21 games with the Cubs this year, Palencia has posted a 4.09 ERA with 22 strikeouts, 13 walks, a .187 opponent’s batting average, and a 1.23 WHIP in 22 innings of work.