Antonio Santillan: Everything you need to know

Santillan struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his first save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Twins. Emilio Pagan was able to pitch Friday night after sustaining a minor hamstring strain earlier in the week and picked up up his sixth save, but he was held out the next afternoon while Santillan handled the ninth. Santillan has gotten better results in the early part of the season -- he has yet to allow a run in 10 innings with a 0.90 WHIP and 12:6 K:BB, compared to Pagan's 4.35 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 10:6 K:BB in 10.1 frames -- but as yet, there's been no suggestion the Reds are thinking about making a switch at closer as long as their incumbent is healthy.

Santillan struck out one over one scoreless inning to earn a hold in Saturday's 2-0 win over the Rangers. Santillan threw a 1-2-3 eighth inning, setting down the top of Texas' order, to earn his third hold of the season. The right-hander's velocity remains noticeably down from last season, but it hasn't impacted his effectiveness. Santillan's given up one hit and four walks while striking out seven over five scoreless appearances (5.0 IP). He's been used in the eighth inning of all five outings.

Santillan's velocity is down so far this season, Charlie Goldsmith of Charlie's Chalkboard reports. "You'll see them pitch into their velocity," manager Tito Francona said. "They did last year. They had more outings in spring training than they did this year. You'll see it climb." Santillan's average fastball velocity in his first two outings has been 93.8 mph, after he averaged 96.3 mph while pitching in 80 games last season. The Reds eased Santillan and Emilio Pagan into spring training in light of their heavy workloads last season.