Reds lose key reliever as injuries continue to define 2024 season

While imaging on Emilio Pagán's triceps came back clean, the Cincinnati Reds are being extra cautious. Rather than operate the bullpen a man down, the Reds will place Pagán on the 15-day IL. This is yet another blow for a Reds team whose 2024 season has been defined by injuries to key players.

Pagán exited Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after feeling discomfort in his right triceps. Pagán was replaced by Reds closer Alexis Diaz who eventually gave up the game-winning RBI hit to Shohei Ohtani.

Reds place Emilio Pagán on 15-day IL as injuries continue to define 2024 season

The Reds now have seven members of their pitching staff on the injured list. Joining Pagán on the 15-day IL are Justin Wilson and Nick Lodolo. Ian Gibaut, Tejay Antone, Brandon Williamson, and Alex Young are all on the 60-day injured list.

But the position players have been ravaged by injury as well. Of course there's Matt McLain — who may not return this season — but the Reds are also without Christian Encarnacion-Strand and TJ Friedl. While not on the injured list, Noelvi Marte is out until later next month after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.

This is yet another season that may go by the wayside with injuries at the core of the team's struggles. While every franchise battles the injury bug, the Reds seem to be caught in a vicious tornado of ailments that oftentimes affect the club's best players.

Last season, players like Antone, Graham Ashcraft, Joey Votto, and Hunter Greene all missed extended time. With both McLain and Marte out of the Reds lineup this season, the team has struggled to put runs on the board. The starting rotation has been effected too. Frankie Montas was on the 15-day IL earlier this season and Lodolo is currently out of commission with a groin injury.

Injuries may be part of the game, but the Reds seem to incur them a rapid rate. The best ability is avail-ability, and Cincinnati is lacking that in 2024. The Reds chose to select the contract of Brett Kennedy and designated Bubba Thompson for assignment in order to make room on the active roster.

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