The Cincinnati Reds' bullpen took a hit this week, as closer Emilio Pagán landed on the 15-day injured list with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The move was announced Wednesday, just hours after a scary scene unfolded at Wrigley Field.

In Tuesday night's 3-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs, Pagán entered for the ninth inning. On his very first pitch, he followed through, hopped off the mound in pain, and collapsed to the ground clutching his hamstring. He was carted off the field, leaving teammates and fans fearing the worst.

"When we all saw the reaction, I think you kind of leap to the worst," Reds manager Terry Francona said. "So I think it's probably looking at four to six weeks-ish. And that's always a tricky injury. It's going to heal how it heals."

Pagán himself admitted the moment was frightening. "I don't know what it would feel like to tear your hamstring off the bone, but it was pretty painful last night," he said. "It's still going to be quite a lengthy process to get back on the field. But I guess all things considered, it's pretty good news."

The Reds expect Pagán to miss one to two months, a tough blow for a team that re-signed the veteran right-hander to a two-year, $20 million deal in December. Last season, he posted a 2.88 ERA with a career-high 32 saves, helping Cincinnati reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020. This year, however, he had struggled to a 6.43 ERA over 15 appearances.

Francona said he won't name a regular closer in Pagán's absence. "I don't think it makes a lot of sense just to name somebody," he explained. "Some of it is dependent on how we get there, what the lineups look like, things like that."

In corresponding roster moves, the Reds activated Pierce Johnson from the bereavement list, called up right-handed reliever Tejay Antone from Triple-A Louisville, and optioned right-hander Chase Petty to the minors. Left-hander Brandon Williamson was also transferred to the 60-day IL to free up a roster spot.

As the Reds navigate this setback, all eyes will be on how their bullpen adapts—and how soon their closer can get back on the mound.