Reds closer Pagán takes another step in rehab by facing hitters

NEW YORK -- In another important step towards the Reds getting their injured closer back in the bullpen, Emilio Pagán faced hitters for the first time on Friday. In a simulated game/live batting practice setting at Yankee Stadium, Pagán threw 20 pitches and used his full repertoire.

“The fastball command was good, stuff was good. Physically, I felt strong. I’m really happy with how it went," Pagán said. "I felt like I could have thrown probably another 15-20 more, too. I felt like I was getting stronger as I went. That’s a good sign."

Pagán, 35, has been on the injured list since he strained his left hamstring pitching in the ninth inning on May 5 for Cincinnati vs. the Cubs at Wrigley Field. His original prognosis was he would miss 4-8 weeks. He threw in his first bullpen session on June 9 at San Diego and has continued to progress without setbacks.

Up next for Pagán is another live BP on Monday at Great American Ball Park. If that goes well, manager Terry Francona expects him to begin a rehab assignment.

Pagán wouldn't mind skipping the next live BP and getting right into the games.

“I’d love to be back as soon as possible. I want to pitch in a game," he said. "If that has to be a rehab assignment, then it has to be a rehab assignment. But we’ll see. Obviously, we’ve got to make the right decision. I’m going to default to the medical staff that has been doing this a lot longer than me. I’ve never really dealt with something as significant as this.”

The Reds’ bullpen, which is also without high leverage relievers Graham Ashcraft (right UCL sprain) and Pierce Johnson (right elbow inflammation), has largely struggled for the past six weeks and could use Pagán's presence again to anchor the group.

Although he had a 6.43 ERA and six saves in nine opportunities before the injury, Pagán is coming off a career year in 2025. He had a 2.88 ERA and a career-high 32 saves for Cincinnati and was brought back as a free agent in the offseason with a two-year, $20 million contract.

“He’s awesome," Francona said. "He really wanted to travel with us [following the injury]. But he was going to Beacon [Orthopaedic for rehab], and we thought he really needed to do that. But then when he started traveling, it’s nice having him around. He’s a great presence. He’s good for guys. He’s solid, and we’ll love having him back, but I just like having him around.”