Injuries & Moves: Pagán (right lat) returns to IL; Greene's start pushed

June 9th, 2024

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June 9: RHP placed on 15-day injured list with right lat strain; RHP recalled from Triple-A Louisville
Reds manager David Bell said Pagán will likely be out until the second half due to an injury similar to the one that sidelined him for two-plus weeks prior to coming off the IL on Thursday. The righty pitched one inning against the Cubs on Saturday and experienced a recurrence of the arm issue, leading to the move to the 15-day IL on Sunday.

"It's the same thing," Bell said. "The symptoms are more in the shoulder and almost like [triceps], but it's inflammation in his lat. Obviously it could be a lot worse. He's very frustrated, because he prides himself in staying healthy.

"But now, I would anticipate him being back after the All-Star break. And I think the good part of that is he can be rested and strong for the second half and beyond."

Pagán, who signed a two-year deal worth $16 million with Cincinnati over the offseason, has logged a 4.43 ERA with 26 strikeouts and seven walks in 20 1/3 innings in 22 games this year. He landed on the 15-day IL on May 20 due to what the Reds described as right triceps tightness.

Spiers, 26, rejoins the Reds after posting a 3.29 ERA in four appearances for the Major League club earlier this season. In nine games (eight starts) for Louisville, the right-hander has turned in a 2.51 ERA with 49 strikeouts and 15 walks in 46 2/3 innings.

June 9: Reds push RHP 's next start back to Friday due to recent volume
Greene was initially scheduled to make his next start on Tuesday against the Guardians, but the Reds have opted to push the hard-throwing righty back to Friday against the Brewers. That will give Greene seven days of rest between outings for Cincinnati.

"He's fine," Reds manager David Bell said. "He's thrown over 100 pitches [in] five straight starts. So that's great and he feels good, considering. It wasn't his idea [to be pushed back], for sure. It was ours. That's us just trying to stay ahead of him and keep him strong."

For now, Tuesday's probable starter has not been announced by the Reds, while Nick Lodolo is lined up to take the ball on Wednesday against Cleveland.

Greene threw 111 pitches in each of his past two outings (both against the Cubs) and has topped 100 pitches not just in five straight starts, but in six of his past seven turns. The righty averages 97.6 mph with his fastball, which ranks in the top 4% of MLB, per Statcast. Greene has a 3.61 ERA with 84 strikeouts and 32 walks in 77 1/3 innings (13 starts) this year.

June 7: Reds pause rehab assignment for LHP
Williamson, who has been on the 60-day injured list since Spring Training because of a left shoulder strain, returned from his rehab assignment and has been shut down from throwing for at least seven days.

“I think he’s evaluating some options for what’s next,” Reds manager David Bell said.

Williamson has a 0.66 ERA over 13 2/3 innings in four rehab starts, including three with Triple-A Louisville.

“He’s been pitching well but through this whole thing, I don’t think it ever felt perfect,” Bell said. “[The discomfort] never went away. I think it’s increased a little bit.”

There is no timetable for when Williamson might be able to pitch. The Reds are going to need a fifth starter again on June 18 and without Williamson in the mix, Nick Martinez could move from the bullpen to the rotation. Another possibility could be right-hander Carson Spiers, who has also pitched well for Louisville and out of the big league bullpen this season. Graham Ashcraft, who was optioned to Louisville on Thursday, would not be a candidate under the rules because he must remain in the Minors for at least 15 days -- barring an injury on the big league roster.

10-DAY/15-DAY IL

RHP (right lat strain)
Estimated return: After the All-Star break
Pagán was placed on the 15-day IL on June 9 after pitching one inning against the Cubs on June 8. That marked his first outing since being activated from the IL on June 6 following a right triceps injury that cost him two-plus weeks. Reds manager David Bell said the latest setback is similar to the original injury, and that Pagán is not expected back until the second half.

"It's the same thing," Bell said on June 9. "The symptoms are more in the shoulder and almost like [triceps], but it's inflammation in his lat. Obviously, it could be a lot worse. He's very frustrated, because he prides himself in staying healthy. But now, I would anticipate him being back after the All-Star break. And I think the good part of that is he can be rested and strong for the second half and beyond." (Last updated: June 9)

1B (right hand fracture)
Expected return: June
Encarnacion-Strand, who was diagnosed with a right ulnar styloid fracture on the inside of his hand near his wrist on May 8, underwent a follow-up exam on June 5 with Reds doctors that showed he was ready to take the next step in his rehab progression. That was put on hold, however, because the first baseman opted to get a second opinion before moving forward.

Reds manager David Bell said on June 8 that a specialist examined Encarnacion-Strand's hand and, following treatment, the first baseman was advised to rest an additional five days. Bell added that the hope is that Encarnacion-Strand can resume his progression after the current rest period with the goal of resuming swinging "in the next couple weeks."

Encarnacion-Strand was originally expected to miss four to six weeks. (Last updated: June 8)

SS (left shoulder surgery)
Estimated return:
2025
Arroyo, who is ranked by MLB Pipeline as Cincinnati’s No. 3 prospect and No. 55 overall, is out for the season after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder during Spring Training. In a March 13 Cactus League game vs. the Giants, the 20-year-old was injured diving back to first base during a pick-off throw. (Last updated: May 17)

60-DAY IL

LHP (left shoulder strain)
Expected return: TBD
Williamson, who has a 0.66 ERA over 13 2/3 innings in four rehab starts, had his rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville halted on June 6 because of discomfort in his problematic left shoulder. Manager David Bell said the left-hander would be shut down for at least seven days while the 26-year-old Williamson and the club evaluate different options. There is no timetable now for a return. He has been out of big league action since re-injuring his shoulder during Spring Training. (Last updated: June 7)

2B (left shoulder surgery)
Expected return: Possibly second half
Six weeks removed from shoulder surgery, McLain was cleared to resume throwing and running. He might be able to start swinging a bat in an additional six weeks, which he said would help determine a clearer timeline for his rehab. Both McLain and manager David Bell reaffirmed that the goal is for McLain to return this season. (Last updated: May 10)

RHP (right forearm strain)
Expected return: Later in 2024
Gibaut, who was transferred to the 60-day IL on May 7, underwent surgery on May 9 to relieve a compression in a forearm nerve -- called the Anterior Interosseous Nerve or AIN -- and although there were no immediate specifics, he was expected to require an extended recovery time. However, manager David Bell noted that Gibaut was expected to be able to pitch at some point this season. The club officially halted Gibaut’s rehab assignment for a second time after he reported feeling discomfort in his right forearm during his April 26 appearance with Triple-A Louisville. (Last updated: May 9)

RHP (right elbow surgery)
Expected return:
2025
Antone was moved to the 60-day IL on April 19 after he had right elbow and arm surgery on April 12 that repaired tears in his ulnar collateral ligament and flexor mass tendon. It was performed in Cincinnati by team orthopedic surgeon Dr. Timothy Kremchek. Antone, 30, has a 2.47 ERA over 45 big league games since 2020. (Last updated: April 19)