Cincinnati Reds seek new closer after Emilio Pagan’s devastating injury

The Cincinnati Reds are reeling after a fast start to the 2026 MLB season.

On Tuesday, May 5, the Reds suffered a fifth consecutive defeat when the Chicago Cubs scored a run in the 10th inning. Cincinnati has fallen from first place in the NL Central on May 1 to third place, four games behind the Cubs.

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The toughest loss, though, occurred in the ninth inning Tuesday when Cincinnati closer Emilio Pagan was carted off the Wrigley Field infield.

After his first pitch, Pagan hopped off the mound and collapsed, grabbing his left hamstring. Manager Terry Francona later said his closer is definitely bound for the injured list.

Talking Baseball shared video of the gruesome injury on X.

Who’s up next for Reds’ bullpen?

Pagan, who tweaked the hamstring last month but continued pitching, was in danger of losing his job.

He blew two straight save opportunities entering Tuesday’s game, including Monday’s 5-4 loss to the Cubs. In 15 games, Pagan is 2-1 with a 6.34 ERA and six saves. He saved 32 games with a 2.88 ERA in 2025, his first season as the Reds’ closer.

So who will take Pagan’s place? Here are the top three candidates (including a wild card):

• Tony Santillan. Cincinnati’s setup man is the obvious choice. The big right-hander has 12 career saves. He is 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA and a save in 2026. Unfortunately, his trajectory is pointed down as well. The velocity of his fastball is down from last season, and he gave up five earned runs in his past five innings.