Reds catch a huge break with Emilio Pagan injury scare update

It was expected that the Cincinnati Reds would be forced to place Emilio Pagán on the 15-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's game against the San Francisco Giants. But for now, it looks as if the Reds have dodged a bullet.

Talking with reports before Wednesday's game, Pagán said he underwent treatment this morning after he felt his hamstring become tight following the final pitch of Tuesday's game. He refused to call his current situation an injury and said he played catch earlier in the day. His availability for Wednesday's game is not yet known.

Losing Pagán would've been a major blow to a Reds bullpen that's been absolutely stellar to begin the 2026 season. Cincinnati relievers have combined to post a sparkling 2.77 ERA — the lowest among all National League teams — through the first two-plus weeks of the season.

Emilio Pagán remains active as the Reds dodge another bullet

Pagán was observed wincing after delivering a 1-1 pitch to Giants pinch-hitter Daniel Susac during the ninth inning on Tuesday night. The right-hander was grimacing as he walked around the infield and then gingerly made his way to the dugout. After the game Reds manager Terry Francona told the press that he felt a catch in his hamstring during that final at-bat and was being looked at by Cincinnati's training staff.

The last thing the Reds want to deal with at the moment is another injury to their pitching staff. Cincinnati is already without Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Caleb Ferguson — losing Pagán would've really upset the apple cart.

For now it would seem that Cincinnati's relief corps will remain intact. Fans wouldn't be surprised to see Pagán receive an extra day off (maybe two). He was an absolute workhorse for Francona in 2025 and is ready to take on a similar role this season. Pagán is 5-for-6 in save chances so far in 2026, and outside of one bad outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he's been as reliable as ever.

If Pagán is unavailable for any length of time, look for Tony Santillan, Graham Ashcraft, or Connor Phillips to toe the rubber in the ninth inning when the Reds have the lead. Santillan hasn't allowed an earned run all season, Ashcraft leads all Cincinnati relievers with 13 strikeouts, and Phillips secured his first-ever Major League save earlier this season. The Reds will be in good hands if Pagán needs an extra day of rest.

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