BALTIMORE — The Chicago Cubs have relied on an unconventional and injury-plagued bullpen to secure victories in recent weeks, particularly excelling in closing out games despite a patchwork roster of relievers. The team’s long-term closer, right-hander Daniel Palencia, has been sidelined since mid-June due to an inflamed elbow, leaving the Cubs to depend on a rotating cast of arms to pitch the final innings.

The Cubs’ relief staff operates from an unusual location at Wrigley Field — a bullpen tucked under the stands, described by left-hander Ryan Rolison as a “dungeon” removed from the crowd’s energy. With Plexiglas partitions muffling noise and a lack of sunlight, the area contrasts sharply with the historic atmosphere immortalized by Cubs legend Ernie Banks. Despite this, the bullpen has fostered its own chemistry amid the isolation.

Since Palencia’s injury on June 16, Chicago’s relievers have posted a 2.00 ERA in ninth innings, outperforming their overall bullpen ERA of nearly 6.00 during that stretch. Although few pitchers have consistently been available due to injuries, the Cubs have fielded a dozen different pitchers in the ninth inning, with ten of them preventing any runs.

Right-hander Jacob Webb has emerged as a key figure, closing out six games and maintaining a scoreless streak over his last seven appearances. Webb has recorded four saves since June, proving versatile as he pitches in various high-leverage situations. Manager Craig Counsell praised him as an “anchor” for a constantly evolving bullpen, noting that Webb’s consistent performance helps the team navigate late-game scenarios despite the roster turnover.

Along with Webb, other pitchers such as Rolison and right-handers Trent Thornton and Tyler Ferguson have stepped into late-inning roles while recovering players remain sidelined. With such fluctuation, Cubs pitchers are tasked more often with facing specific hitters based on matchups rather than being assigned to a designated inning.

General manager Jed Hoyer acknowledged that the bullpen has not developed as initially planned due to the spate of injuries. The Cubs have actively adjusted their relief corps by acquiring Ferguson in May, right-hander Jayden Murray in June, picking up Bryse Wilson on waivers, and re-signing veteran Drew Pomeranz on a minor-league deal. Pomeranz reflected on the transition, describing the current experience as “weird,” though he added that returning felt familiar in some respects.

While the bullpen’s location and composition present unique challenges, the Cubs’ ability to perform in crucial late-game moments has provided a stabilizing factor amid uncertainty. The team’s success in ninth innings despite the adversity underscores the depth and resilience of its relief pitchers.