In the hours leading up to the Chicago Cubs series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Craig Counsell shared some promising news. Closer Daniel Palencia has taken one step closer to a return. According to Andy Martínez, the manager shared that Palencia will pitch with the Iowa Cubs on Friday. The news comes in the wake of reports that suggested Palencia could be activated as soon as today. Nevertheless, after missing multiple weeks of action, a rehab assignment is almost surely the best for both parties. To be clear, we can all agree that the Cubs are in desperate need of bullpen help. They have been ravaged by injuries in recent weeks and have seen several of their top relief arms hit the IL. This has included Caleb Thielbar (hamstring), Riley Martin (elbow), and Ethan Roberts (finger). And that's to say nothing of starters like Justin Steele and Caleb Horton! The former just found out he will be sidelined even longer after a setback.…