Jacob Webb Blows Second Straight Save

Webb’s recent struggles come after he had been the Cubs’ best reliever for the last two months.

When closer Daniel Palencia landed on the 15-day injured list with a flexor strain in his right elbow on June 16, Webb only became more important in Chicago’s bullpen.

Webb initially struggled as the closer in his first two save opportunities on June 17 and June 20, giving up a combined four runs on four hits, including two home runs, over 1.2 innings.

Yet after those first two rocky outings, Webb was as steady a reliever as the Cubs could ask for. From June 24 to Aug. 21, Webb did not allow a run in 24 consecutive appearances over 24.2 innings.

His stellar run not only lowered his season ERA from 3.90 to 2.21, but also made him one of manager Craig Counsell’s most trusted high-leverage arms. In the process, Webb earned the lion’s share of closing responsibilities.

But Saturday against the Seattle Mariners was Webb’s first stumble in the last two months. After getting the first two batters out, the 33-year-old gave up a double and an RBI single to cut Chicago’s lead to just one before Randy Arozarena hit a walk-off two-run home run to give Seattle a dramatic 5-4 victory.

While a gut-punch, Counsell gave flowers to Webb following the Cubs’ loss, emphasizing that one bad outing didn’t distract from how great he has been.

“He’s kind of held this whole thing together for most of the year,” Counsell said. “He’s been great. He’s having a heck of a season. Today doesn’t change that. He’s going to be out there the next time there’s an opportunity.”

In 2026, Webb is 6-4 with a 2.91 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 58.2 innings over 59 games. He has recorded 64 strikeouts against 21 walks; however, he has allowed eight home runs and has blown six of his 15 save opportunities.

Palencia was activated from the injured list on Friday, but also pitched poorly in Tuesday’s loss. The 26-year-old failed to make it out of the eighth inning, recording just two outs and giving up three runs on two hits, a walk, and a hit batter with a strikeout.

On the season, Palencia is 2-1 with a 3.93 ERA and 1.42 WHIP over 18.1 innings. He has been limited to 21 appearances in 2026 because of a left oblique strain in April and then a flexor strain in his right elbow in June.

With Palencia back but still building back up, and Webb struggling as of late, Chicago’s long-term closer situation is uncertain.

Nonetheless, the Cubs need to get both of their high-leverage arms playing at their best as the postseason nears.

Entering Wednesday’s series finale in Arizona, the Cubs (76-57) sit 5.5 games behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Chicago also sits three games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies for the top National League wild-card spot.

The Cubs will look to win the series Wednesday at 3:40 p.m. ET with Matthew Boyd on the mound.

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