Cubs place Julian Merryweather on IL with shoulder strain

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs placed right-hander Julian Merryweather on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain while recalling righty Daniel Palencia from Triple-A Iowa, the team announced Sunday.

Merryweather, 32, is a key member of the Cubs bullpen in his late-inning setup role. He has appeared in four games this season, and he struck out three batters in 1 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday.

Palencia, 24, was a late spring training cut after appearing in 27 games for the Cubs last season. He appeared in two games for Iowa this season, striking out four to go along with three walks.