Reds replace Emilio Pagán with reliever who finally gets his moment

The Cincinnati Reds will be without Emilio Pagán for the foreseeable future. The Reds closer was seen gripping at the back of his left leg after throwing a pitch during the ninth inning of Tuesday's loss to the Chicago Cubs. Pagán then collapsed onto the turf and had to be carted the field. It was later revealed that he suffered a hamstring injury and was placed on the 15-day injured list.

While the unwelcome news of Pagán's injury will surely shakeup the Reds bullpen, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic is reporting that Tejay Antone will is being called up ahead of Wednesday's game at Wrigley Field. The battle-tested veteran has undergone three surgeries to repair the UCL in his right elbow, and he hasn't pitched in a Major League game since the 2024 season.

Reds calling up Tejay Antone to replace Emilio Pagán

Antone almost won a job on the Reds Opening Day roster thanks to his performance during spring training, but Cincinnati's leadership decided he needed a little more time in the minor leagues before returning to the bigs.

Antone made nine appearances during his time in Goodyear and recorded 10 punch outs over 8⅓ innings pitched. He was outrighted to Triple-A to begin the season and owns a 2.25 ERA in 12 appearances for the Louisville Bats this year. He struck out over 30% of the batters he's faced in the minors this season, and when he steps onto a Major League mound, it'll be the first time since April 7, 2024.

But Antone isn't the only pitcher returning to the Reds bullpen. Cincinnati also welcomed back veteran reliever Pierce Johnson who was on the bereavement list the past few days. Chase Petty, who had a solid outing on Monday against the Cubs, was optioned back to Triple-A Louisville.

In order to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for Antone, the Reds placed Brandon Williamson on the 60-day IL with shoulder fatigue. Williamson started six games for Cincinnati this season, but was removed from his most recent start after throwing just 58 pitches back on April 29.

Petty gave the Reds a spot start in place of Williamson earlier this week, but with Nick Lodolo expected to return to the rotation upon the team's return to Cincinnati this weekend, his services were no longer needed.

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