Emilio Pagán injury setback could spark move Reds fans didn’t expect (but will love)

The Cincinnati Reds have yet to officially place Emilio Pagán on the injured list, but manager Terry Francona revealed that the reliever was having his hamstring examined following Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants. That's never a good a sign, and it's quite likely that the Reds will be forced to place their closer on the 15-day IL.

Obviously that means that a corresponding roster move will have to made. There's no shortage of relievers at Triple-A Louisville who could be called up, but one name stands out above all the rest — Tejay Antone.

Reds could recall Tejay Antone if Emilio Pagan lands on the IL

Antone was non-roster invite to spring training earlier this year and made a run at the Reds Opening Day roster. Unfortunately, he fell just short of breaking camp with the big-league club and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Louisville to begin the season.

Since arriving in the Derby City, the veteran right-hander has been lights out. Through five relief appearances he's struck out eight batters while walking just two and has yet to allow a single run over 5⅔ innings pitched.

Antone hasn't been on a Major League mound since April 7, 2024. He exited that game after throwing just one pitch and it was announced the following day that he'd be undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery for the third time in his career.

After a third Tommy John surgery, Antone returned to the minor leagues late last season and made 15 relief appearances while splitting time between the Dayton Dragons, Chattanooga Lookouts, and Louisville Bats. He tossed a combined 15 innings, but posted a 10.20 ERA. Nevertheless, the mere fact that he was able to step onto the mound in a professional game was a victory in and of itself.

Reds fans have admired Antone's grit and determination throughout his career, and many have followed his harrowing journey along the way. A return to the major leagues, no matter how long it lasts, would be a victory for Antone.

If Cincinnati were to promote him back to the big leagues, however, it would require a corresponding move. Antone isn't on the 40-man roster, meaning the Reds would have place an injured player on the 60-day IL or designate someone for assignment.

That may give the Reds' brass cause to pause at this stage of the season. Antone's comeback story alone won't push Nick Krall and Co. to add him to the roster, but his near-flawless performance down in the minors could be enough to sway the decision-makers in the front office to make the move.

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