Antonio Santillan: Everything you need to know

Santillan is the likely candidate to replace injured closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring), who was removed from Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Cubs, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Santillan has been the preferred eighth-inning arm for manager Terry Francona and has produced nine holds thus far in 2026. Although he didn't fare well Tuesday -- the right-hander was taken deep by Michael Busch -- Santillan is a logical choice to serve as the closer in Pagan's absence. Santillan a trusted late-game arm, sporting a 2.87 ERA over 15.2 innings this season, and his 12 career saves are more than any other relievers in line to get save opportunities for the Reds.

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.