Reds start rehab assignment for Emilio Pagan after hamstring injury

At 37-42, the Cincinnati Reds sit 12.5 games out of the NL Central lead and 5.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. But perhaps some added bullpen help is what the Reds need to turn things around.

Emilio Pagan is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville, the team announced. He has been on the injured list since early May with a left hamstring strain.

The right-hander has been able to face live hitters and will now progress to game action. Cincinnati will still remain cautious at the end of his rehab process, the last thing they want is a setback. But if everything goes as expected, it won’t be long before Pagan is back in the majors again.

Before suffering his injury, the right-hander posted a 6.43 ERA and an 11/6 K/BB ratio. While he did record six saves, it is a far cry from what the Reds usually expect from their closer.

During the 2025 campaign, Pagan put up a 2.88 ERA and an 81/22 K/BB ratio over his career-high 70 appearances, making 32 saves. His three years and 123 games total with the franchise has resulted in 39 saves, a 3.80 ERA and a 136/39 K/BB ratio.

Heading into Thursday, the Reds’ bullpen ranks 25th in the league with a 4.81 ERA. Pagan can’t do it all on his own, but if he is at the top of the game, he should be able to lower than number. Furthermore, he gives Cincinnati much more stability in the ninth inning.

He still has a few more hurdles to cross before officially returning. But Pagan is on the verge of re-joining the Reds bullpen once more.

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