The Chicago Cubs placed reliever Gavin Hollowell on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Left-hander Antoine Kelly was recalled from Triple-A Iowa. Manager Craig Counsell stated that injured closer Daniel Palencia is nearing a return and will throw a live bullpen session on Saturday.

Palencia, who led the Cubs with 22 saves last season, has been sidelined since June 16 with a mild right elbow flexor strain. Hollowell's injury occurred earlier this week; he has a 2.51 ERA over 14 1/3 innings this season. Kelly made his MLB debut on Friday, allowing no hits over the final four outs.

Meanwhile, injured starter Justin Steele, out since April 2025 following Tommy John surgery and a subsequent setback, played catch on Friday. He is progressing through his recovery protocol but has no clear timeline for his return to pitching.