Full Breakdown
Reds Reinforce Bullpen After Emilio Pagán’s Hamstring Injury, Recall Tejay Antone
5/7/2026, 5:53:27 AM
Core Event: Pagán’s IL Placement and Antone’s Recall
The Cincinnati Reds placed closer Emilio Pagán on the 15-day injured list (IL) on Wednesday, May 6, after he suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain while delivering his lone pitch in a 3-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. In the same roster move, the club recalled right-hander Tejay Antone from Triple-A Louisville, giving him his first major-league appearance since 2024 and making him the third pitcher in MLB history to return after a third elbow reconstruction.
Background & Context: Pagán’s Role and Antone’s Injury History
Pagán, who turned 35 on Thursday, May 7, re-signed with Cincinnati on a two-year deal after a 2025 season in which he recorded a career-best 32 saves with a 2.88 ERA over 70 appearances. He entered the 2026 season leading the Reds with six saves but posted a 6.43 ERA in 15 games before his injury. Antone, 32, has undergone three Tommy John surgeries—the most recent in 2024—and has pitched in only nine major-league games since 2021. Prior to his recall, he posted a 2.25 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 12 innings for Louisville.
Data & Statistics
- Emilio Pagán: Grade 2 hamstring strain; projected 4-8 weeks on IL; 2025 – 32 saves, 2.88 ERA (70 apps); 2026 – 6 saves, 6.43 ERA (15 apps).
- Tejay Antone: 45 MLB appearances (2020-2024) with a 2.47 ERA in 76 2/3 innings; 2026 Triple-A: 2.25 ERA, 15 Ks in 12 IP.
- Additional moves: Reliever Pierce Johnson activated from bereavement list; right-hander Chase Petty optioned to Louisville; left-hander Brandon Williamson transferred to the 60-day IL (shoulder fatigue).
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Terry Francona indicated that the bullpen will be “mixed and matched in save situations for the time being depending on matchups.” He described Antone’s arrival as “uplifting” after a “crappy” night and expressed optimism for both the player and the team. The Reds’ front office confirmed the roster adjustments required to clear a 40-man spot for Antone and to accommodate Pagán’s IL placement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's still going to be quite a lengthy process to get back on the field. But I guess, all things considered it's pretty good news.” — Emilio Pagán, closer
- “Felt like I'm letting a lot of people down. Obviously, the organization, front office, management, invested a lot in me to be here.” — Emilio Pagán
- “On the heels of kind of a (crappy) night, seeing (Antone) walk through that door was kind of uplifting," Francona said.” — Terry Francona, manager
- “It's good for him, and I hope it's really good for us.” — Terry Francona (continued)
Timeline of Moves
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources consistently report the nature of Pagán’s injury, Antone’s recall, and the associated roster changes. No discrepancies were identified.
What’s Next: Bullpen Usage and Recovery Outlook
Francona plans to deploy Antone in high-leverage situations while monitoring matchups, and the Reds will rely on other relievers such as Pierce Johnson during Pagán’s projected 4-8-week recovery. Antone’s performance will be closely watched given his unique medical history and the rarity of a pitcher returning after three elbow reconstructions.
