Emilio Pagan

The Reds' closer (Grade 2 hamstring strain, sidelined since May) had a second MRI that showed healing progress and is reportedly nearing a rehab assignment. No activation date has been set, but reports indicate a possible return within one to two weeks. Cincinnati has cycled through multiple closers in his absence — none have established themselves. Pagan had 30 saves and a 30% strikeout rate in 2025 and is expected to reclaim the role upon return.

Grade 2 left hamstring strain, currently 4-to-8 weeks out. No clear frontrunner has emerged from Cincinnati's closer committee — Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan, Pierce Johnson, and Brock Burke have all seen save opportunities. Managers holding Pagan for saves need to stream the position in the interim rather than waiting for his return.

NEW: 15-day IL with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. FanGraphs Roto Riteup notes the timeline is 4-8 weeks. Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft are the most likely save sources in his absence — Santillan has the experience edge (7 saves last season).

Pagan (Grade 2 hamstring) is reportedly nearing a rehab assignment after his second MRI showed healing progress. No firm activation date, but reports point to a return within one to two weeks. When healthy, he posted 30 saves and a 30% strikeout rate in 2025, and he is expected to reclaim the ninth-inning role the moment he is activated. The Reds committee has been a disaster in his absence. At roughly 30% owned, you can stash him in a bench or IL slot right now and collect saves before ownership catches up.

Pagan was activated June 30 and has re-established himself as the Reds' primary closer after his injury absence. He has full command of the role, but Cincinnati's record limits the volume of save opportunities available. Roster him in 12+ team leagues if saves are a need; temper expectations in shallow formats where the Reds' win total won't generate enough chances to move the needle.

Pagán completed a scoreless rehab inning at Triple-A on June 28 (nine pitches, eight strikes) and is expected to be activated this week. The Reds have posted a 5.59 ERA from the ninth inning since he went on the IL May 5, using four different pitchers for saves. Pagán resumes the closer role immediately upon activation — he's a high-priority pickup if available in your league, and worth a real FAAB bid.

Pagan (Grade 2 hamstring strain, out since May 5) threw a scoreless rehab inning in Triple-A on June 28 — nine pitches, eight strikes — and is expected back in Cincinnati this week. The interim committee has posted a 5.59 ERA since May 6. Pagan resumes the closer role immediately upon activation. High-priority add if available; check wires daily.

Pagan started his Triple-A rehab June 25 — just six pitches in a 1-2-3 inning — and needs at least one more appearance before the Reds bring him back. In the meantime, Tony Santillan remains the nominal closer but has underperformed. Four different pitchers have recorded the last four Cincinnati saves. Don't roster more than one Reds arm in standard formats; the distribution is genuinely random until Pagan returns.

Justin Mason flagged Pagán's collapse as the next saves role to flip — 6.43 ERA, 3 blown saves, and the leash is gone. Tony Santillan is the most likely beneficiary in Cincinnati. Drop Pagán in 12-team formats; speculate-add Santillan in deep saves leagues.