Emilio Pagán Injury News & Updates

Pagan agreed to a two-year contract with the Reds on Wednesday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

The financial details for the deal, which is pending a physical, are not known at this point. 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.

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.

Pagan needed only nine pitches in an easy bottom of the ninth inning Friday for his first save of the year and will now turn right back around make his first career start. The 32-year-old right-hander will probably only be asked to cover the first inning Saturday for the AL Central-champion Twins.

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 ratio. 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 set-up role. Pagan has one of the worst Win Probably Added 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 hasn't allowed a run in his last 8.2 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.

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 and has continued to struggle in high-leverage spots. He'll continue to work in middle relief.

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.

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.

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.

Pagan allowed six runs on eight hits over 1.2 innings in Thursday's 11-5 loss to Boston.

Pagan entered the game in the third inning when Kenta Maeda (ankle) departed after being struck by a line drive to end the second. 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. 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.

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 (4.43 ERA and seven blown saves) and it was a mild surprise he wasn't non-tendered. His 2023 debut in a low leverage spot (Twins were up four runs in the ninth) didn't build confidence for a turnaround as he gave up hits 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.

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.

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 picture, 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.

Pagan (2-3) earned the win in Saturday's 4-3 win over Baltimore allowing no runs on no hits while striking out one and walking one over one inning of relief.

Pagan pitched a clean ninth inning to help secure a win for the Twins. He entered the game with his team down 3-2, but picked up the win thanks to two ninth-inning runs. This was a step in the right direction for Pagan who pitched to an 11.42 ERA for the month of June. The good performance helped the righty reliever shave a few points off his season ERA, which now sits at 5.06.

Pagan will move from the closer role to low leverage appearances until he gets back on track, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. "Yeah, he's going to pitch earlier in the games and potentially when we don't have the lead and things like that," said manager Rocco Baldelli.

Pagan had become the primary closer among a committee with the Twins amassing nine saves and a 2.45 ERA before June 13. He's struggled since June 21 with two blown saves and allowed nine runs and three walks in 3.2 innings. He was the primary culprit in four blown leads by the bullpen against Cleveland.

Pagan (1-3) took the loss in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Guardians, giving up two runs on a hit and two walks without recording an out as the Twins fell 3-2.

The right-hander entered the game to protect a 2-1 lead in the eighth inning, but Pagan walked the first two batters he faced and advanced them both on a wild pitch before Amed Rosario cashed them in with a single. It's noteworthy that Pagan wasn't held back for a potential save situation in the ninth, instead getting the call to face the top of Cleveland's order in the eighth, and given that he's allowed multiple runs in three of his last four appearances while converting just 9-of-14 save chances on the season, time could be running out on his stint as the Twins' closer.

Pagan pitched a scoreless inning against Seattle on Monday, allowing one walk and striking out two batters to earn the save.

Pagan was tasked with preserving a one-run, ninth-inning lead. He saw the tying run move into scoring position due to a two-out walk and stolen base, but the right-hander struck out Jesse Winker to end the threat. Pagan appears to be the current favorite over Jhoan Duran for ninth-inning duties thanks to a 2.45 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 11.9 K/9. He's blown three saves but has also successfully converted nine opportunities.

Pagan picked up his eighth save of the season Saturday against the Rays, striking out two batters while retiring the side in order in a scoreless ninth inning.

Pagan was tasked with protecting a one-run lead after Jhoan Duran threw a scoreless eighth inning and never let the Rays have much of a chance, sandwiching a groundout between a pair of strikeouts. He now has an 8-4 lead over Duran on the Twins' saves leaderboard. The outing lowered his season ERA to 2.57.

Pagan (not injury related) was activated from the restricted list Monday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

Pagan was unavailable for the Twins' weekend series in Toronto since he's unvaccinated, but he'll rejoin the bullpen prior to the upcoming series against the Yankees at Target Field, which begins Tuesday. The right-hander has converted just one of his last three save chances while allowing three runs in 3.1 innings over his last four relief appearances, but he should be in the mix for closing duties alongside Jhoan Duran now that Pagan is back with the team.

Pagan (not injury related) was placed on the restricted list Friday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Pagan is apparently unvaccinated and is unable to enter Canada as the Twins take on the Blue Jays for a three-game series this weekend. The 31-year-old should be back with the team for the following series against the Yankees, which begins Tuesday. Rookie Jhoan Duran should operate as Minnesota's top option for save chances in the meantime.

Pagan struck out the only batter he faced Friday, recording his seventh save of the season in a 10-7 win over the Royals.

The Twins were up 10-5 heading into the ninth inning, but after Yennier Cano ran into trouble, Pagan got the call to put out the fire and struck out Nicky Lopez on three pitches. Rookie Jhoan Duran continues to push for ninth-inning work, but Pagan has converted seven of nine save chances on the year with a 2.25 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 22:11 K:BB through 16 innings.

Pagan allowed one run on three hits in Friday's win over Kansas City. He struck out one and earned a save.

Pagan coughed up a solo home run to Emmanual Rivera followed by a pair of two-out singles. He ended up throwing 14 of 19 pitches for strikes to secure the 6-4 win. It was the first time he's allowed an earned run since April 26 and his season ERA bumped up to 2.13. Pagan has converted six out of seven save chances with a 16:10 K:BB through 12.2 innings.

Pagan allowed one hit in a scoreless inning during Sunday's win over the Guardians. He struck out one and earned the save.

Pagan gave up a two-out double to Amed Rosario but finished off a scoreless frame with just 10 pitches. The 31-year-old has now converted five out of six save chances with a 1.54 ERA this season. Pagan threw an inning in each of the last three games, so he'll likely be unavailable Monday against Oakland.

Pagan allowed a hit and one walk in a scoreless inning in Sunday's win over Oakland. He struck out one and earned the save.

Pagan has now earned a save in each of his last two appearances despite allowing a combined five runners on base. He allowed a one-out single to put two Athletics on base before forcing a pair of flyouts to finish off Sunday's 4-3 win. He's now converted four out of five save chances on the year while posting a 2.08 ERA.

Pagan gave up a hit and walked two batters in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his third save of the season in a 2-1 win over the A's. He struck out two.

After loading the bases with one out, Pagan was able to escape the jam on a Seth Brown fielder's choice that retired Sheldon Neuse at the plate, before the right-hander fanned Chad Pinder to end the contest. Pagan has a seemingly respectable 2.35 ERA through 7.2 innings and has converted three of four save chances, but his ghastly 25.0 percent walk rate highlights just how close to disaster he's come on multiple occasions. If the veteran can't sharpen his control, it could be only a matter of time before rookie flamethrower Jhoan Duran takes over the closer role for the Twins.

Pagan blew a save opportunity after he pitched 0.2 innings, surrendering one run on a hit and two walks while striking out one in Tuesday's win over the Tigers. He did not factor into the games decision.

After Caleb Thielbar allowed two Tigers to reach base in the top of the eighth inning, Pagan was called upon to protect the Twins' 3-1 lead with one out in the frame. He proceeded to give up a three-run homer to Javier Baez, the first batter he faced and walk two more batters before the inning was over. The blown save was Pagan's first of the season and he is now two for three in save opportunities.

Pagan earned the save after pitching a scoreless ninth inning in a 2-1 win Friday over the White Sox. He walked two, allowed a hit and struck out one.

Pagan threw 17 of his 34 pitches for strikes and loaded the bases with one out before inducing a pop-out. After running the count full on Jake Burger, he painted the corner for a strikeout to end the game. The righty has recorded a save in consecutive games for the Twins and is the only member of the Minnesota bullpen to close out a ballgame successfully. He appears to be manager Rocco Baldelli's preferred option in save situations but has not officially been named the closer.

Pagan earned the save Tuesday against the Royals after not allowing a hit during a scoreless ninth inning. He walked one and didn't record a strikeout.

Pagan got the his first save opportunity of the season with a one-run lead after Tyler Duffey blew his second save of the season Tuesday. The veteran journeyman walked Michael Taylor to lead off the inning, but he proceeded to retire the top of the Royals lineup in order on just four pitches. Pagan notched 20 saves in 2019 with Tampa Bay, but Tuesday's outing was just third since then. For now, Pagan and Duffey appear to be in a timeshare for closing duties in Minnesota, but Pagan could earn more opportunities if Duffey continues to trend in the wrong direction.

Pagan (0-1) was tagged with the loss Tuesday against the Dodgers after allowing one run on one hit and a walk across one inning while striking out one.

Pagan debuted with a scoreless inning against the Mariners on April 10, but he couldn't repeat that success and was unfortunately tabbed with his first loss of the season in an outing where he tossed 12 of his 20 pitches for strikes. Pagan should deliver most of his value if he gets involved in high-leverage situations, but as of now, he's part of a closer committee and that limits his upside a bit.

Pagan will be part of a closer committee that could include Joe Smith, Tyler Duffey, Caleb Thielbar, Jorge Alcala and Danny Coulombe, manager Rocco Baldelli told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "It's not a situation where we're just going to fill that role with someone and say, 'That's how it's going to work,' " Baldelli said. "We will use the quality arms in the back end of our 'pen to match up, try to put them in position to get outs."

Baldelli is likely still sorting out his bullpen after the trade of Taylor Rogers to San Diego, so he could narrow his options to finish games early in the season. Pagan figures to be one of his top options, but Baldelli has ignored traditional closer patterns in managing his bullpen. Still, if Pagan starts strong with the Twins he could get the bulk of high-leverage work.

The Twins acquired Pagan and starting pitcher Chris Paddack from the Padres on Thursday in exchange for reliever Taylor Rogers and outfielder Brent Rooker, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

With Rogers moving to San Diego, the Twins will have a void at closer heading into Opening Day, and Pagan could be one of several candidates to vie for saves out of the Minnesota bullpen. Pagan, who is under club control for the next two seasons, is coming off a down 2021 campaign in which he submitted a 4.83 ERA (5.22 FIP) and surrendered a whopping 16 home runs in 63.1 innings. Keeping the ball in the yard has been an ongoing issue for Pagan throughout his career, but he's excelled at making bats miss and limiting free passes, as his lifetime 22.3 K-BB% attests. Even if the Twins aren't inclined to use Pagan in the ninth inning due to his vulnerability to the long ball, he should at least take on a key setup role for his new team.

Pagan and Robert Suarez look like the readiest options at closer for the Padres, speculates Dennis Lin of The Athletic.

This doesn't seem to be tied to any firm reporting, just Lin's expertise from being around the team this spring. Pagan has 22 career saves across five big-league seasons while Suarez most recently served as an effective closer in Japan.

Pagan agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million deal with the Padres on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Pagan has struggled with the Padres over the past two seasons, but the team will give him another chance in 2022. The 30-year-old had a 4.83 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 69:18 K:BB over 63.1 innings with five blown saves and 19 holds. He could be in the high-leverage mix again next year with a strong showing in spring training.

Pagan (4-3) allowed four runs on four hits in just a third of an inning as he took the loss against the Dodgers on Wednesday.

Pagan entered to begin the bottom half of the eighth with a three-run cushion and gave it up in the blink of an eye. He allowed three solo home runs to the first four batters he faced to bring the Dodgers back to life and make it a tie ballgame. He stayed in to face one more batter and allowed a double to Justin Turner before manager Jayce Tingler had finally seen enough. Turner eventually came around to score as the deciding run on a two-run blast from Corey Seager, handing Pagan a very ugly and disappointing loss. The 30-year-old now has three losses this month and sports a 4.91 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 68:18 K:BB over 62.1 innings this year.

Pagan (4-2) allowed three earned runs on two hits and a walk across one inning, taking the loss to the Cardinals on Saturday.

Pagan entered the eighth inning with a 2-0 lead. The lead quickly evaporated when he surrendered a double, a walk and a home run. The Cardinals took over with a 3-2 lead and never looked back. It was the fifth long ball Pagan allowed in his last seven innings. He has a 4.50 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 67 punchouts over 60 innings this season.

Pagan allowed three runs on three hits, including a home run, over two-thirds of an inning against the Dodgers on Sunday.

San Diego trailed by only three runs when Pagan got the ball in the seventh inning, but four batters into his outing the deficit had doubled to six. The reliever allowed a single to Mookie Betts and a double to Max Muncy before serving up a three-run homer to Justin Turner. The long ball was the fourth surrendered by Pagan in his past five outings, and he has allowed eight earned runs over 4.2 frames over that span to push his season ERA up to 4.21.

Pagan (4-1) lost Friday's 6-3 defeat at the hands of the Astros, allowing two runs on two hits in one inning.

Manager Jayce Tingler selected Pagan to pitch the eighth inning of a 3-3 tie and the 30-year-old rolled to two easy outs before surrendering a hit and Kyle Tucker home run to fall in line for the loss. It's the righty's first loss all season and he still owns an above average 3.58 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 64:14 K:BB in 55.1 innings.

Pagan earned a hold against Arizona on Sunday by pitching a perfect inning during which he struck out two.

The right-hander followed Blake Snell's impressive start with a dominant inning of his own, mowing down the first two batters he faced and retiring the side in order on only 12 pitches. Pagan has held opponents scoreless in each of his past eight outings, posting a 6:1 K:BB across 7.1 innings during that span.

Pagan earned a hold against Arizona on Sunday by pitching a perfect inning during which he struck out two.

The right-hander followed Blake Snell's impressive start with a dominant inning of his own, mowing down the first two batters he faced and retiring the side in order on only 12 pitches. Pagan has held opponents scoreless in each of his past eight outings, posting a 6:1 K:BB across 7.1 innings during that span.

Pagan was tagged with a blown save Sunday against Washington as a result of surrendering three runs on four hits over one inning. He struck out two.

Pagan took the mound in the bottom of the eighth inning with San Diego up by two runs. After striking out the first batter he faced, the right-handed hurler allowed three straight hits -- two of which left the yard -- as Washington reclaimed the lead. The outing marked the first time this season that Pagan has allowed more than two runs. He has a 3.72 ERA and 1.14 WHIP across 38.2 innings.

Pagan (neck) has opened July with four scoreless appearances, covering 4.1 innings while permitting two hits and two walks while striking out three.

Pagan dealt with a minor neck issue toward the end of June, but it never required a trip to the injured list. After a few days off, Pagan was cleared to return to action and has immediately stepped back into a high-leverage role in the San Diego bullpen. He'll head into the All-Star break with a 3.11 ERA, four wins and 13 holds across 40 appearances.

Pagan hasn't pitched since Tuesday due to neck tightness, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pagan's tight neck developed while he was sleeping recently, and he hasn't been available recently as a result. However, manager Jayce Tingler is hopeful that the right-hander could be available out of the bullpen as early as Saturday. Across his last two outings, Pagan has recorded two holds while striking out five in two perfect innings.

Pagan was credited with the hold against Cincinnati on Sunday despite allowing two runs on two hits and one walk over one inning.

Pagan entered in the eighth inning with the Padres protecting a 3-0 lead. He was tagged for a single and a double and walked one batter, leading to two Reds runs. The right-hander made it out of the inning with San Diego's lead down to one, but Mark Melancon closed out the contest in the ninth to secure the victory. Pagan has struggled in June, posting a 6.23 ERA across 8.2 innings. He remains one of the team's top options in high-leverage situations, however.

Pagan earned the hold against the Cubs on Monday by pitching a perfect inning and striking out two.

The right-hander faced little resistance after taking over in the eighth frame, retiring the side on 10 pitches while fanning two. Pagan has been solid in a setup role for San Diego this season, posting a 2.63 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 31:9 K:BB across 24 innings and tallying seven holds.

Pagan (3-0) allowed a hit and a walk and struck out three in one inning, earning the win in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader versus Colorado.

Pagan relieved starter Yu Darvish and worked around a couple of baserunners in the fifth inning. In the sixth, Victor Caratini put San Diego ahead with a grand slam. Pagan has been effective as the primary setup man to closer Mark Melancon this year. Pagan has a 2.40 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB along with five holds and a blown save in 17 appearances spanning 15 innings.

Pagan has made 16 appearances out of the San Diego bullpen this season, posting a 2.57 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB to go with five holds over 14 innings.

The right-hander notably has a zero in the saves column, as manager Jayce Tingler committed to Mark Melancon as the team's closer Opening Day and hasn't wavered since. Melancon (0.60 ERA, 11-for-11 in save chances) has done his part to maintain his spot atop the depth chart, so those holding Pagan at this point should be doing so mainly for what he can provide in the ratio categories.

Pagan has a good chance to close games for the Padres this season and has been the name most often mentioned by people within the organization as a potential closer, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The Padres have several potential ninth-inning options, including Mark Melancon and Drew Pomeranz (forearm), but manager Jayce Tingler has expressed a preference for a dedicated ninth-inning arm rather than a committee. Pagan has been an elite reliever in the recent past, saving 20 games for the Rays in 2019 while backing up his 2.31 ERA with an excellent combination of a 36.0 percent strikeout rate and a 4.9 percent walk rate. His numbers fell off hard across the board last year, as he managed just a 26.4 percent strikeout rate, 10.3 percent walk rate and a 4.50 ERA, but he was pitching through pain for much of the season and eventually landed on the injured list with biceps inflammation. Healthy again this spring, Pagan appears to have a very real chance of moving to the top of the closer competition.

Pagan should have a high-leverage role with the Padres this season, but the team has yet to determine how closing duties will be handled, Bill Center of FriarWire reports.

Pagan has experience closing -- he saved 20 games for Tampa Bay in 2019 -- but he was used primarily as a setup man in his first campaign with San Diego last season. With veteran closer Mark Melancon brought over in the offseason and Drew Pomeranz fresh off a dominant 2020 campaign that included a temporary ninth-inning role, Pagan does not appear to be the early favorite for save opportunities heading into 2021, though the Padres have not yet determined how the back end of the bullpen will shake out. Manager Jayce Tingler suggested that plans have yet to be finalized earlier this week, stating, "Are we open to a committee? Open to matchups? We are. We'd love to come out of here saying this is our ninth-inning guy and move forward. This early, I'm not interested in giving anyone that title. Sometimes, the key outs are in the seventh or eighth."

Pagan and the Padres avoided arbitration with a one-year, $1.57 million deal Friday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The 29-year-old didn't produce his best work in 2020, posting a 4.50 ERA in 22 innings. The Padres will keep him around in hopes that he'll return to his 2019 form, when he produced a 2.31 ERA, a 36.0 percent strikeout rate and a 4.9 percent walk rate.

Pagan was tagged with a blown save in Sunday's win over Seattle. He pitched one inning and allowed two runs on two hits while striking out two.

Pagan's ERA sat at 7.36 after blowing a save Aug. 20, but he had subsequently recovered to notch seven straight scoreless outings covering seven innings. That streak ended Sunday, however, when Dylan Moore launched a two-run homer off Pagan in the eighth inning. The Padres ultimately pulled out an extra-inning victory, but Pagan nonetheless was tagged with his fifth blown save of the season.

Pagan (biceps) was activated from the 10-day injured list Thursday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

He will end up missing a little under two weeks with the biceps injury, but in that time, Trevor Rosenthal appears to have taken over as the team's closer. Pagan could still get the occassional save opportunity and could vulture wins, but as long as Rosenthal is pitching well, he should remain the go-to closer.

Pagan (biceps) will face hitters Tuesday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Manager Jayce Tingler said of Pagan "He feels a lot better after being back here and getting some treatment, getting some work and doing exercises." Assuming Pagan has no setbacks after facing hitters, he is expected to be activated from the injured list when first eligible Thursday.

Pagan was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with right biceps inflammation, retroactive to Aug. 31.

The right-hander last pitched Sunday and delivered a scoreless inning with two strikeouts, and it's unclear when or how he sustained the injury. Pagan will be eligible to be activated Sept. 10, but he may require additional time before rejoining the team.

Pagan tossed a clean ninth inning Sunday, earning a save in the win over Houston.

After blowing his first four save chances this season, Pagan has converted two in the last three days. With Drew Pomeranz (shoulder) stashed on the injured list, the 29-year-old lefty appears to be the go-to closer in San Diego for now.

Pagan pitched a scoreless inning and allowed just one walk to earn the save in Friday's 4-3 win over the Astros.

Pagan has been far from consistent in 2020 with four blown saves and six holds in 12 appearances. He has a 6.75 ERA and 1.42 WHIP across 12 innings. The 29-year-old Pagan is in line to see the majority of the save opportunities with Kirby Yates (elbow) and Drew Pomeranz (shoulder) sidelined.

Pagan could see increased save opportunities after Drew Pomeranz (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday.

Pagan saw work in the ninth inning Thursday while Pomeranz dealt with shoulder soreness, but he blew his second save in his last three appearances. Although the right-hander has had some struggles this season, he could serve as the Padres' closer in the coming games by default. After Pagan posted career-best marks in ERA and WHIP with the Rays last season, he carries a 7.36 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over 11 innings with the Padres in 2020. If he continues to struggle, Jose Castillo could see some save opportunities as well.

Pagan was tagged with a blown save in Thursday's game against Texas, allowing a solo home run while striking out two batters in one inning.

With Drew Pomeranz unavailable due to a tight shoulder, San Diego turned to Pagan in the ninth inning while clinging to a one-run lead. The right-hander couldn't get the job done, allowing a leadoff homer to Nick Solak before retiring the next three hitters. The blown save was Pagan's fourth of the season, and he now sports a 7.36 ERA. If Pomeranz is forced to miss time, Pagan could get additional save chances, though he may be a shaky option given the seven walks and three home runs he has allowed over 11 innings this season.

Pagan (0-1) took the loss against Arizona on Sunday, pitching one inning and allowing three runs on two hits and one walk while striking out two.

Pagan was summoned in the eighth inning to protect a two-run lead, but he couldn't get the job done, allowing a single and a walk before serving up a three-run homer to Eduardo Escobar. Pagan had been trending in the right direction with four straight scoreless outings after a rough start to the campaign, but Sunday's blowup pushed his season ERA back up to 8.31. He has registered five holds, but Pagan's inconsistency is not what the Padres expected after the 29-year-old saved 20 games and notched a 2.31 ERA along with a 0.83 WHIP with Tampa Bay last season.

Pagan suffered his second blown save of the season Thursday, pitching two-thirds of an inning and allowing two runs on two hits and a walk while striking out one batter against the Giants.

Following a breakout 2019 campaign with Tampa Bay, the Padres traded for Pagan with the expectation that he would form a dominant 1-2 punch with closer Kirby Yates. Things haven't gone to plan to start the season, with both Pagan and Yates stumbling out the gate. Pagan has pitched only one clean inning in four appearances thus far, allowing a combined five earned runs on five hits and three walks over 3.2 frames. He was summoned in the eighth inning to protect a two-run lead Thursday and squandered the opportunity after allowing a single, triple, sacrifice fly and walk sandwiched around a strikeout. The Padres have a deep bullpen this season, so Pagan's setup role could be in jeopardy if he isn't able to figure things out soon.

Pagan's contract was renewed by the Padres in mid-March.

San Diego made the decision to renew Pagan's contract after the two sides could not agree to a deal on a contract extension, per Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Consequently, Pagan will be eligible for arbitration following the 2020 season. The right-hander is expected to serve in a setup role behind Kirby Yates in his first campaign with the Padres.

Pagan was traded from the Rays to the Padres on Saturday in exchange for outfielder Manuel Margot and prospect Logan Driscoll, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Pagan finished 2019 as Tampa Bay's closer and went 20-for-28 in save chances with a 2.31 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 96:13 K:BB across 70 innings, but he'll now make his way to San Diego. The 29-year-old's fantasy value will take a significant hit, as Kirby Yates established himself as one of the top closers in baseball last season with a 1.19 ERA and 41 saves for the Friars. Pagan still figures to work in a high-leverage role, but save opportunities likely will be few and far between.