Less than an hour before first pitch of the final game against the Dodgers Sunday, the Cubs made a bullpen swap.

Out went Julian Merryweather — headed to the 15-day IL with a right shoulder strain — and in came young right-hander Daniel Palencia.

Merryweather has appeared in 4 games for the Cubs this season, including during victories on Wednesday and Friday. He picked up his first hold of the year with 1.1 scoreless innings Friday against the Dodgers.

He enjoyed a breakout season last year in the Cubs bullpen after being claimed off waivers in January 2023.

Merryweather tallied 17 holds and 2 saves with a 3.38 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 69 games (72 innings) last season.

Palencia made his MLB debut in July and spent the second half of the 2023 season in the Cubs bullpen, going 5-3 with a 4.45 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 10.5 K/9 in 27 outings.

He was optioned to Triple-A during Spring Training and made 2 appearances with Iowa before being recalled to Chicago Sunday.