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Evaluating Cubs’ bullpen needs less than 3 weeks before pitchers and catchers report

AP Photos

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia celebrates after striking out St. Louis Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan to end a baseball game Saturday, July 29, 2023, in St. Louis. The Cubs won 5-1.

Rookie reliever Daniel Palencia handed a baseball and pen to Ian Happ in the Brewers’ visiting clubhouse before the last game of the 2023 season.

Palencia started this tradition at the beginning of his professional career. He collected baseballs signed by his teammates each year as he climbed through the farm system. But this one marked a special season, his first in the major leagues.