Daniel Palencia Injury: Kicks off rehab assignment

Palencia (shoulder) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Saturday and allowed one unearned run on two hits while striking out two batters in two-thirds of an inning.

Iowa's season will come to an end Sunday, so Palencia may need to face hitters in a simulated game or two to prove his right shoulder strain is no longer a concern before the Cubs bring him back from the injured list. Prior to suffering the injury and landing on the shelf Sept. 8, Palencia led the Cubs with 22 saves. Brad Keller and Andrew Kittredge have been sharing the closer's role in Palencia's absence.