Reds closer Emilio Pagán placed on injured list following collapse and walk-off loss to Cubs
Despite a five-and-two-thirds shutout innings performance from starter Andrew Abbott, the Cincinnati Reds suffered a walk-off loss as shortstop De La Cruz failed to field a routine grounder in the tenth inning.
The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 in extra innings on 6 May 2026 at Wrigley Field, a result that has been described as a significant blow to the Reds' pitching staff. The game concluded in the tenth inning when shortstop Elly De La Cruz failed to field a routine grounder, allowing the game-winning run to score.
The margin for error evaporated late in the contest after Reds closer Emilio Pagán collapsed following a single pitch in the ninth inning. The incident was caused by a hamstring injury, and Pagán was subsequently carted off the field and placed on the injured list pending further medical evaluation. While Pagán had reported feeling fine and warming up well prior to the incident, the collapse left the Reds without their primary closer for the final frames.
Rookie pitcher Jose Franco filled in for Pagán in the ninth inning, recording a strong outing to keep the game tied. This effort marked what was described as the biggest outing of Franco's young career, as he maintained the scoreline before the extra-inning collapse occurred. The Reds' starter, Andrew Abbott, had provided a significant bounce-back performance, pitching five and two-thirds shutout innings to support a team entering the game on a losing streak.
The Reds' offense managed to tie the game in the eighth inning when first baseman Michael Busch hit a home run off reliever Tony Santillan. Santillan, who left a fastball over the heart of the plate for the homer, stated that he trusts the process and remains focused on improvement. However, the Reds' lead could not be extended, and the margin for error fell out from under them late in the game.
Following the match, Reds catcher and team leader Jose Trevino publicly expressed concern over Pagán's injury, noting the veteran's role as a captain and leader. Trevino highlighted that Pagán is a big piece of the team and that the organisation would be resilient about the situation. The Reds' thoughts after the game revolved around Pagán, with Trevino noting that the closer has done a great job shaping younger players for bigger roles.
The specific duration of Pagán's absence from the roster remains unknown as the medical assessment continues. While the injury diagnosis is a hamstring strain, the exact nature of the injury beyond the initial diagnosis is not yet fully detailed. The Reds will now look to regroup following a tough loss that combined a pitching injury with a critical defensive error.
