The Cincinnati Reds are in turmoil after a scorching start to the 2026 MLB season has given way to a painful slide. On Tuesday, May 5, the Reds dropped their fifth straight game, falling 1-0 to the Chicago Cubs in extra innings. The loss knocked Cincinnati from first place in the NL Central on May 1 to third, now four games behind the surging Cubs.
But the real heartbreak came in the ninth inning. Closer Emilio Pagán, after delivering just one pitch, hopped off the mound and collapsed, clutching his left hamstring. Manager Terry Francona confirmed afterward that Pagán is headed to the injured list—a devastating blow for a team already struggling to find its footing.
Pagán had been battling a tight hamstring for weeks, but he pushed through, hoping to hold onto his job. It didn't work. He had blown two straight save chances entering Tuesday, including a gut-wrenching 5-4 loss to the Cubs the night before. On the season, Pagán is 2-1 with a 6.34 ERA and six saves, a far cry from his breakout 2025 campaign when he saved 32 games with a 2.88 ERA.
So, who steps into the fire? Here are the top three candidates to take over as the Reds' closer—including a wild-card option that would warm any baseball fan's heart.
Tony Santillan. The big right-hander is the obvious choice. As Cincinnati's primary setup man, he has 12 career saves and is 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA and one save this season. But there's a red flag: his fastball velocity is down from last year, and he's allowed five earned runs over his last five innings. Momentum isn't on his side.
Graham Ashcraft. The Reds converted Ashcraft from starter to reliever before last season, and the move is paying off. He's been electric in 2026, posting a 1.02 ERA with a save in 17 appearances. He's got the stuff and the confidence to handle high-leverage innings.
Tejay Antone. This one is pure sentiment—and maybe a little hope. The former major-leaguer is working his way back from a third ulnar collateral ligament surgery on his right elbow. At Triple-A Louisville, he's been solid: a 2.25 ERA and a save in 12 outings. But is he ready for the ninth inning in the big leagues? Probably not yet. Still, what a story it would be.
For now, the Reds are searching for answers. With Pagán on the shelf and the bullpen in flux, Cincinnati's playoff hopes may hinge on who steps up next.