The Cincinnati Reds have made a pivotal change in their bullpen, opting for Emilio Pagán as their new closer after Alexis Díaz struggled with injuries and performance issues. Díaz has been hindered since a minor injury in spring training, culminating in a disastrous outing against the St. Louis Cardinals where he allowed three home runs in a crucial ninth inning.

Pagán, previously a reliable closer with the Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins, has stepped into the role with impressive efficiency. In nine save opportunities, he has converted eight, showcasing a WHIP of 0.488 and a strong ability to throw strikes. This transition reflects a shift in the Reds' strategy, moving away from a committee approach toward a more defined closer role under Pagán's watch.