Cubs Minor League Weekend Recap: Daniel Palencia, Miguel Amaya Eye Potential Return to Wrigley

[Billy Reich]

Cubs Affiliate Overview (September 20 – September 21)

• Triple-A Iowa Cubs
  Series vs. Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit Tigers): Loss 1-5
  2025 Season Record: 74-75

• Double-A Tennessee Smokies
  2025 Season Record: 69-67

• High-A South Bend Cubs
  2025 Season Record: 56-75

• Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans
  2025 Season Record: 68-60 ; Lost Divisional Series 0-2

Triple-A Iowa Cubs

Season Record: 74-75
Series Opponent: Toledo Mud Hens (Detroit Tigers)
Series Standing: Loss 1-5

September 20: The Cubs were smothered by the Mud Hens on Saturday, dropping the penultimate game of the season 4-2. Starter Jaxon Wiggins picked up just his second loss in Triple-A after giving up three runs in four innings. While it’s uncharacteristic of Wiggins to give up runs like that in a shortened outing, it was his walks that bit him. He pitched exceedingly well on the day, but he walked the first two batters of the game before failing to locate his pitch to the third and giving up a three-run home run with no outs to start the first inning. He settled in quickly after the early mistakes, allowing zero runs, two hits, and six strikeouts for the rest of his outing. Still, the early damage was too much for what has been an extraordinarily sluggish offense for Iowa lately.

Daniel Palencia made his rehab start after suffering a shoulder injury against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field on 9/7. His return to action brought more of the inconsistency he’s displayed at the Major League level lately. He went ⅔ of an inning, striking out two in spectacular fashion, but he also gave up two hard hits, putting his team in a position to make mistakes. One of those runners would ultimately score on an error and put the game further out of reach. It’ll be interesting to see what the Cubs do with Palencia who hasn’t made three consecutive scoreless appearances since not allowing a run at all from June 26 to August 1, a run where he made 12 appearances and cemented himself as "La Gasolina". 

The offensive woes continued for Iowa who put up two runs on seven hits. Both runs came in the fifth inning already down 4-0. James Triantos would take home player of the game honors, going 2-for-4 with a home run to break the scoring drought.

Nicky Lopez (1-for-4) would cut the deficit to two with an RBI chopper up the middle.

That’s about all Iowa could muster in the game as they would go silent the rest of the game. A common thread that’s plagued the team these last two weeks.

September 21: The Iowa Cubs were crushed by the Mud Hens 7-2 in what would become a statement loss. The Cubs finished their season losing seven of their last eight games and crushing all postseason momentum they had. Starter Will Sanders was tuned up to the sound of three earned runs off of six hits and a home run in just 3 ⅔ innings pitched. Sanders finished what had once appeared to be his breakout season with a 6.38 ERA while picking up the loss.

The offense once again struggled to make a serious impact as they put up just two runs on five hits to go with their 12 team strikeouts. Iowa couldn’t get any runs on the board until they were already in a late game hole, a common theme in their end of season slide. There were still a few bright spots to finish off the season. Ed Howard (1-for-3) finished off his season with his second Triple-A hit -- a two-run double in the seventh inning to avoid the shutout.

Miguel Amaya was also back in the lineup today, his fourth start for Iowa on a rehab assignment. He went 0-for-3 on the day, but he’s eyeing a potential return to the Major League club as an impact depth piece. It’ll be interesting to see what the Cubs do, as replacement Reese McGuire has a .528 slug and .791 OPS in his last 30 days in the majors. Regardless of where Amaya finishes the season, seeing him back in action after the brutal scene of him being carted off the field in Toronto on August 13 is a win. 

Iowa would falter down the stretch this season, but we’ve seen some pretty impressive graduations, top prospect performances, and pitch lab arms that can make an impact in the future.

Double-A Knoxville Smokies

2025 Season Record: 69-67

The Knoxville Smokies did not make the playoffs.

High-A South Bend Cubs

2025 Season Record: 56-75

The South Bend Cubs did not make the playoffs.

Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans

2025 Season Record: 68-60 ; Divisional Series 0-2

Myrtle Beach’s season ended after being swept in the divisional playoff series on September 11.

Notable Promotions / Injury Notes

• Chicago Cubs recalled LHP Jordan Wicks from Iowa Cubs

• Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Eli Morgan to Iowa Cubs

• Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Porter Hodge to Iowa Cubs

• Chicago Cubs sent RHP Daniel Palencia on a rehab assignment to Iowa Cubs

• Iowa Cubs activated SS Jaylen Palmer

• Iowa Cubs activated C Casey Opitz

• Iowa Cubs transferred RHP Walker Powell to the Development List

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