Palencia gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 15th save of the season in a 1-0 win over the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander needed only nine pitches (six strikes) to get the job done, but he came close to blowing the save, as a two-out double by Adley Rutschman was followed by a deep fly from Tyler O'Neill that backed Ian Happ up to the ivy at Wrigley Field for the final out. Palencia hasn't given up an earned run since June 21, posting a 0.00 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 12:1 K:BB in 11.2 innings over his last 12 appearances while converting eight save chances.

Palencia tossed 1.1 scoreless innings of relief with a strikeout to earn the save in Sunday's 5-4 win over the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Palencia got the last out of the bottom of the eighth inning, ending a three-run White Sox rally, and then breezed through the ninth for his 14th save of the year in 15 chances. The righty has been particularly good lately, as he's now rattled off 10 straight appearances without allowing any earned runs. That's allowed Palencia to lower his ERA to a sparkling 1.43, and he's cemented his status as the Cubs' closer, with the likes of Ryan Pressly, Caleb Thielbar, Drew Pomeranz and Ryan Brasier working in setup roles.

Palencia picked up the save Friday, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to close out a 4-1 win over the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Called upon to protect a three-run lead, Palencia continued his excellent run in the ninth Friday, working around a base hit to record his 13th consecutive save and improve to 13-for-14 in save opportunities this season. The 25-year-old right-hander lowered his ERA to 1.53 and has now tallied 39 strikeouts across 35.1 innings of work.

Palencia tossed a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout to secure the save in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Palencia was needed to put out a fire Saturday, retiring the final two batters of the game to record a save, but he had a more conventional appearance Sunday. The righty came on for the full ninth inning with the Cubs up three runs, and he retired New York in order on 14 pitches to pick up his 12th save of the season. Palencia has emerged as Chicago's clear top closer, and he's been lights-out in the role with a 1.57 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 39 strikeouts across 34.1 innings. Given how well the Cubs are playing, Palencia figures to see plenty of save chances moving forward, which boosts his fantasy profile.

Palencia retired the only two batters he faced with one strikeout to earn the save during Saturday's 5-2 win over the Yankees.

EDGE Analysis

Up 5-0 going into the ninth inning, the Cubs turned to their closer after Brad Keller allowed two runs and another baserunner. Palencia shut the door from there, picking up a strikeout and getting a grounder to end the game. Since blowing a save opportunity May 19 in Miami, the 25-year-old has converted 11 straight save chances. With one game left before the All-Star break, the right-hander has a 1.62 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 38 strikeouts in 33.1 innings pitched.

Palencia picked up the save in Wednesday's 5-4 win over Cleveland, allowing one unearned run on no hits and one walk with no strikeouts in the ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

The save was the 10th of the campaign for Palencia, who has stepped up as Chicago's clear favorite for saves. The right-hander has converted each of his last 10 save opportunities, turning in an outstanding 1.17 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB over his last 15.1 innings. The Cubs could look to upgrade their bullpen ahead of the trade deadline later this month, but it appears the team's closing job is Palencia's to lose for the time being.

Palencia picked up the save in Tuesday's 5-2 victory over the Guardians. He allowed no hits or walks while striking out two over a perfect inning.

EDGE Analysis

Palencia quietly set the Guardians down in order Tuesday to notch his ninth save of the season. The right-hander has emerged as the Cubs' most dependable closing option this season, posting a 1.80 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 35:10 K:BB across 30 innings in 28 appearances. Backed by a 99.5 mph fastball and sharper command than in years past, Palencia has delivered a standout first half.

Palencia earned the save in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Cardinals, allowing one hit while striking out three in a scoreless ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Palencia was summoned to protect a three-run lead and worked around a double and a hit batter by striking out the next three hitters to close things out. Through eight June appearances, the 26-year-old has converted all three of his save chances while allowing two earned runs and posting an 11:1 K:BB. He's 8-for-9 in save opportunities this season with a 1.86 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 33:10 K:BB across 29 innings.

Palencia worked around a hit to toss a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save in Tuesday's 5-3 win over the Brewers. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

After Ryan Pressly picked up a save Thursday, Palencia has now recorded the last two saves for the Cubs, giving him seven for the year in eight chances. The latter has earned the right to close out games, as he's now sporting a 1.67 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 29 strikeouts across 27 innings this season. Pressly has reentered the mix for saves due to his strong play lately, but it appears that Palencia is still the top Chicago reliever to target for fantasy purposes.

Palencia worked around a hit to toss a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Pirates. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

A day after seeing Ryan Pressly earn a save while he worked the eighth inning for a hold, Palencia was back as the closer Saturday. Pressly, meanwhile, worked the seventh after starter Matthew Boyd logged six solid innings. Palencia now has six saves this season in seven chances, and he lowered his ERA to a sparkling 1.73. It appears that the closer situation may remain fluid in Chicago, with both Palencia and Pressly getting opportunities for the time being. That gives both players fantasy value, though it does limit their ceilings.