Update; Reds Player Could Be Sent Down When Emilio Pagán Is Activated from IL…

Update; Reds Player Could Be Sent Down When Emilio Pagán Is Activated from IL…

*June 6, 2024*

As the Cincinnati Reds prepare for the return of reliever Emilio Pagán from the injured list, speculation is mounting about which player might be sent down to make room on the roster. Pagán, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for the past month, is nearing the end of his rehabilitation stint and is expected to rejoin the team within the next week.

Pagán’s return is highly anticipated by Reds fans and the organization alike. The veteran right-hander has been a key component of the bullpen since joining the team. Known for his fastball-slider combination and ability to pitch in high-leverage situations, Pagán’s presence has been missed as the Reds have navigated a challenging stretch of their season.

Before his injury, Pagán had a 2.98 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 24.1 innings pitched, demonstrating his reliability and effectiveness out of the bullpen. His return is expected to bolster the Reds’ relief corps, providing much-needed depth and experience as they push towards the playoffs.

However, Pagán’s activation necessitates a corresponding roster move, and this has led to widespread speculation about which player might be sent down to the minors. The decision is not an easy one for the Reds’ management, as several factors need to be considered, including player performance, positional needs, and options remaining for each player.

One player whose status has been closely scrutinized is rookie reliever Jake Peterson. Peterson, who was called up earlier in the season, has shown flashes of potential but has also struggled with consistency. In 15 appearances, he has a 4.76 ERA and has allowed 14 hits and 10 walks in 17 innings. While his raw talent is evident, his control issues and lack of experience at the major league level have been points of concern.

Peterson’s optionability makes him a likely candidate to be sent down, as he has minor league options remaining, allowing the Reds to move him without exposing him to waivers. The team can retain his rights and call him back up later in the season if needed.

Another player under consideration is utility infielder Alex Blandino, who has been filling in various roles but has struggled offensively. Blandino is batting .210 with one home run and six RBIs in limited at-bats. While his versatility is valuable, the Reds have other infield options, and his performance at the plate has not been sufficient to secure a permanent spot on the roster.

Pitcher Tony Santillan, who has been serving as a middle reliever, is also a possible candidate. Santillan has posted a 4.50 ERA in 20 innings but has shown potential with his strikeout ability. Like Peterson, Santillan has minor league options, making him a flexible choice for the Reds’ management.

The final decision will ultimately rest with manager David Bell and the Reds’ front office, who will weigh the immediate needs of the team against the long-term development of their players. Bell has expressed confidence in the depth of the Reds’ roster and emphasized the importance of making strategic decisions that will benefit the team in the long run.

“We have a lot of talented players, and these decisions are never easy,” Bell said in a recent press conference. “We’re looking at all our options and considering what’s best for the team and for each individual player’s development. Emilio’s return is a big boost for us, and we’ll make the necessary adjustments to ensure we’re in the best position moving forward.”

As Pagán completes his final rehab appearances, the Reds will continue to monitor their roster and performance closely. The decision on which player will be sent down is expected to be made just before Pagán is activated, allowing the team to evaluate the latest performances and health of their players.

For now, Reds fans can look forward to the imminent return of Emilio Pagán and the positive impact he is expected to have on the bullpen. While the corresponding roster move may be a tough call, it reflects the team’s depth and the competitive nature of Major League Baseball, where difficult decisions are part of the game’s constant evolution.