Emilio Pagán
Breakdown
Performance
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August 21, 2026
Unused in save situation
Pagan was not used to protect a 5-4 lead in the ninth inning of Thursday's 10-9 loss to the Cardinals.
Analysis
Manager Terry Francona opted for southpaw Brock Burke instead of Pagan to close out the game, after the veteran righty had thrown 19 pitches the night before. The top of the ninth turned into a nightmare, as an error on a routine flyball, along with three walks and a HBP from Burke, lead to six unearned runs for the Cardinals. If Pagan is currently unable to pitch on back-to-back days, it could open up save opportunities for other Cincinnati relievers, but Burke's usage Thursday may also have simply been matchup-based -- top right-handed setup man Pierce Johnson, who hasn't pitched since Monday, went completely unused in the contest.
August 20, 2026
Survives for save Wednesday
Pagan secured the save Wednesday against the Cardinals, allowing two runs on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning.
Analysis
Pagan needed every bit of the three-run lead he was afforded, serving up a two-run home run to Jordan Walker. The veteran right-hander has established a fairly strong hold on the Reds' closer role, as Wednesday marked the first time he's been scored upon since July 19 in Colorado. He's turned his season around in a big way since coming off the injured list, producing a 2.35 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 20:3 K:BB with 10 saves in as many opportunities over 15.1 innings since the start of July.
August 15, 2026
Nabs save in return to action
Pagan pitched a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 15th save of the season in a 1-0 win over the Marlins. He didn't strike out a batter.
Analysis
The veteran reliever had been dealing with hand soreness earlier in the week and missed out on a save chance Thursday as a result, but Pagan didn't seem bothered by the issue Friday, firing eight of 11 pitches for strikes. He's gone 10 straight appearances without allowing a run since a rocky outing at Coors Field on July 19, posting a 0.40 WHIP and 11:0 K:BB in 10 innings over that stellar stretch while converting all eight of his save opportunities.