Reds closer Emilio Pagan carted off with hamstring injury
The Reds look set to be without their closer for awhile.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 19: Emilio Pagan #15 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches against the Cincinnati Reds on April 19, 2026 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagan threw just one pitch in the Bottom of the 9th against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night, and it’s a pitch he’ll surely hope to forget. Immediately after letting it fly to Cubs 2B Nico Hoerner, he reached for his left hamstring – the same left hamstring that had dogged him earlier in the 2026 season.
This time, though, it was clear the injury was much more significant than when he was dealing with pain there back in April. The trainers came out, and it was quickly determined that the cart was going to be needed to come drive him off the field as he couldn’t put any weight on it at all. Righty Jose Franco was summoned to replace him in the 2-2 game in the second game of this series between these two long-time National League Central rivals.
All the best to Emilio, who it looks like the Reds will be without for some time.