The Reds signed Pagan to a one-year, $8 million contract with an $8 million player option for 2025 on Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.
Pagan held a 2.99 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 65:21 K:BB over 69.1 innings for the Twins in 2023, which was good enough to nab a multi-year pact on the open market. The 32-year-old was able to keep the home run ball in check in 2023, but it's been a major issue for him in the past. Given his new home park, that could be a problem. Pagan would appear in line for setup duties ahead of closer Alexis Diaz.
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Twins' Emilio Pagan: Getting start after save
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Pagan will start Saturday's game in Colorado after earning a save in Friday's 7-6 win over the Rockies, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.
After needing just nine pitches in an easy bottom of the ninth inning Friday to earn his first save of the season, Pagan will now turn right back around to make his first career start a day later. The 32-year-old right-hander will probably only be asked to cover the first inning Saturday for the AL Central-champion Twins. Chris Paddack and Dallas Keuchel are available on three and two days' rest, respectively, and could be capable of covering multiple innings behind Pagan.
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Twins' Emilio Pagan: Continues recent turnaround
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Pagan (5-1) earned the win Sunday against the White Sox. He didn't allow a hit or walk while striking out one over a scoreless inning.
Since an ugly outing on June 11 where he gave up three runs and took a loss, Pagan has allowed just two runs in his last 16 innings with a 16:6 K:BB, and he's moved into higher-leverage spots as a result. His many high-profile bad outings in key spots in close games the past two seasons still likely limits his upside, however, as he may not move into a top setup role. Pagan has one of the worst Win Probably Added (WPA) metrics among relievers the last two years (-.022 this season) as a measure of his high-leverage struggles.
Pagan allowed a hit while striking out two over two scoreless innings Tuesday against the Rays.
Pagan has now put together 8.2 consecutive scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out eight in that span. His ERA is down to 3.76 with a 1.14 WHIP and 25:8 K:BB through 26.1 innings this season. The 32-year-old Pagan was moved out of a high-leverage role after a shaky start to the season, but he looks to be working his way back up the Twins' bullpen hierarchy.
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Twins' Emilio Pagan: Returns from hip injury
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Pagan (hip) allowed a hit and no walks over 2.1 scoreless innings in Thursday's 7-6 victory over the Guardians.
Pagan left Sunday's loss to Toronto with a minor muscle strain in his hip area. He needed a few days off, but he's back to full speed. He's had an up-and-down season (4.57 ERA entering Thursday) and has continued to struggle in high-leverage spots. He'll continue to work in middle relief.
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Twins' Emilio Pagan: Has strained hip
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Pagan left Sunday's loss to Toronto with a minor muscle strain in the hip/groin area, manager Rocco Baldelli told the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Pagan's injury was initially thought to be an arm injury, but this sounds like a less worrisome issue. He may be able to avoid a trip to the injured list.
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Twins' Emilio Pagan: Suffers apparent arm injury
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Pagan was removed from Sunday's game against the Blue Jays after suffering an apparent right arm injury, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.
After Pagan hit Matt Chapman with a pitch, Twins trainer Masa Abe visited the right-hander on the mound. After consulting with the trainer, Pagan headed to the dugout and appeared to be favoring his right arm while walking off the field. Chapman was the only batter Pagan faced during the seven-pitch relief appearance.
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Twins' Emilio Pagan: Earns third win
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Pagan (3-0) earned the win in Thursday's 5-3 victory over San Diego. He allowed zero runs with no hits or walks while striking out one over an inning.
Pagan struggled with the Twins last season, posting a 4.43 ERA and seven blown saves, and it was a mild surprise that he wasn't non-tendered. However, he's improved significantly as he's given up earned runs in just two of his 13 appearances (though he gave up six runs in 1.2 innings April 20). He has an impressive 15:3 K:BB ratio in 15.2 innings. He began the season buried in the bullpen but is starting to be used in higher-leverage setup situations.
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Twins' Emilio Pagan: Lit up in Boston
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Pagan allowed six runs on eight hits over 1.2 innings in Thursday's 11-5 loss to Boston. He struck out one and didn't issue any walks.
The veteran reliever entered the game to start the third inning after Kenta Maeda (ankle) exited after being struck by a comebacker. Pagan would ultimately allow seven hits in the inning, including a pair of doubles, as the Red Sox put six runs on the board. The 31-year-old Pagan had been pitching well coming into Thursday's contest, throwing 5.1 consecutive scoreless innings since he allowed a run in his season debut. Following the rough outing in Boston, his ERA balloons from 1.42 to 7.88. Pagan is 1-0 with a 1.75 WHIP and 6:2 K:BB through eight innings to start the season.
Twins' Emilio Pagan: Gives up one run in season debut
Rotowire
Pagan allowed one run on two hits and no walks while striking out one over one inning in Sunday's 7-4 win over Kansas City.
Pagan struggled with the Twins last season, posting a 4.43 ERA and seven blown saves, and it was a mild surprise that he wasn't non-tendered. His 2023 debut in a low-leverage spot (the Twins were up four runs in the ninth) didn't build confidence for a turnaround as he gave up a hit to his first two batters. He'll likely work in low-leverage spots until he gains the team's confidence again.
Pagan agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Twins on Friday to avoid arbitration, Darren Wolfson of Channel 5 Saint Paul reports.
Pagan had an up-and-down first year in Minnesota with 4.43 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 84:26 K:BB across 63 innings. The 31-year-old should see some high-leverage chances to open 2023 but is unlikely to see regular save opportunities.
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Twins' Emilio Pagan: Takes loss Saturday
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Pagan (3-6) allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk in one inning, taking the loss in extra innings Saturday versus the Angels.
This was Pagan's second appearance since suffering a lat cramp last Sunday. The right-hander got through the 10th inning without trouble, but he gave up a walkoff two-run home run to Taylor Ward with no outs in the 11th. Through five appearances in August, Pagan has struggled, allowing seven runs (five earned), including two homers, while striking out five in 5.1 innings. He has a 5.23 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 58:18 K:BB through 41.1 innings overall. While he's added nine saves and seven holds, his struggle with keeping the ball in the park (10 homers allowed) has taken him mostly out of the closer conversation.
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Twins' Emilio Pagan: Exits with lat cramp
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The Twins announced Pagan was removed from his relief appearance in Sunday's game against the Blue Jays due to a right lat cramp, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. He retired two batters and allowed a base hit before exiting in the sixth inning.
Anything lat-related is usually worrisome for a pitcher, but assuming Pagan is in fact dealing with nothing more serious than a cramp, he should be able to avoid a stint on the injured list. The Twins are labeling Pagan as day-to-day for the time being and should have an update on the right-hander's status in advance of Tuesday's series opener in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.
