CHICAGO -- Cubs closer Daniel Palencia has a mild flexor strain in his right arm, manager Craig Counsell announced Saturday morning.
Palencia, 26, had an MRI on Friday that showed the strain.
He was placed on the injured list Tuesday after experiencing elbow inflammation following Monday night's win over the Colorado Rockies.
"He's shut down from throwing through the road trip, then we'll start ramping back up," Counsell said.
The Cubs open a seven-game road trip Monday against the New York Mets, so the earliest Palencia will start throwing again is June 29, which means a return to action would not come until July.
Palencia has just three saves this season after performing well for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. This is his second stint on the injured list this year after being out with an oblique issue in April.
Overall, he has appeared in 19 games, striking out 19 hitters in 16â…” innings while compiling a 2.70 ERA. The Cubs are going with a closer by committee while he's down.
