# Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Focuses on Bullpen

> Cubs manager Craig Counsell says final week must reveal bullpen readiness for playoffs.
- Title: Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Focuses on Bullpen | Shortify
- Summary: Cubs manager Craig Counsell says final week must reveal bullpen readiness for playoffs. Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasizes testing bullpen depth in last…
- Keywords: cubs, bullpen, playoffs, craig counsell, mlb, wild-card, ryan zeferjahn, daniel palencia, ryan rolison, news, local, Manager
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/cubs/2026/09/20/chicago-cubs-manager-craig-counsell-bullpen-daniel-palencia-ryan-zeferjahn-ryan-rolison
- Published: 2026-09-21T01:05:13.877+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cubs, bullpen, playoffs, craig counsell, mlb, wild-card, ryan zeferjahn, daniel palencia, ryan rolison, news, local
## Cubs manager Craig Counsell
Cubs manager Craig Counsell says final week must reveal bullpen readiness for playoffs.

> We’ve got to find out about our bullpen
## Final Regular Season Series
Cubs end three playoff-like series with two days off.
## Bullpen Strategy
Counsell treats relievers as playoff pitchers for last week.

> We’re going to use them like we would use them in a playoff situation
## Daniel Palencia
Palencia throws two perfect innings with 100 mph velocity.

> I feel great; I’ve been feeling a lot of confidence
## Ryan Zeferjahn
Zeferjahn strikes out Reds star Sal Stewart in eighth inning.

> That’s how we’ve treated these last three series
## Playoff Readiness
Counsell prioritizes bullpen testing before wild-card series.

> We went through a stretch where we had some guys struggling
## Palencia's Confidence
Palencia feels ready for any playoff inning.

> I don’t care if it’s the ninth inning or the fifth
## Ryan Rolison
Rolison finishes game with last out in ninth inning.
## Bullpen Testing
Counsell tests bullpen with multiple innings this week.

> Getting those guys out there as much as we can
## Wild-Card Series
Cubs aim for home-field advantage in wild-card playoffs.
## Playoff Preparation
Cubs finalize bullpen strategy for postseason.
## Key takeaway

Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasizes testing bullpen depth in last regular season series to prepare for postseason pitching.