As he recovers from offseason sports hernia surgery, Cincinnati Reds ‘ reliever Emilio Pagan will be delayed as Cactus League play begins.
Per Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Inquirer on social media:
Emilio Pagán (offseason sports hernia surgery) is throwing bullpens, but he won’t be ready for the start of the Cactus League schedule. Graham Ashcraft (toe) is ready for spring training games. Nick Lodolo (tibia) just threw a bullpen, which David Bell said will shape his next steps.
Pagan signed a two-year deal with the Reds just after Thanksgiving and looks like he’s headed for a big role in David Bell’s bullpen. In addition to Pagan, the Reds have brought in Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez as well this offseason. It’s been a concerted effort to get better and more durable in the pitching department.
The 32-year-old Pagan is a hard-throwing righty who is coming off a successful year with the Minnesota Twins . With Minnesota, he appeared in 66 games in 2023, going 5-2 with a 2.99 ERA. He struck out 65 batters in 69.1 innings.