Pagan (hernia) has yet to pitch in a Cactus League game, but the Reds haven't yet ruled him out for Opening Day, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Reds have four of their primary relievers not pitching in games right now -- Pagan, Sam Moll (shoulder), Alex Young (back) and Ian Gibaut (forearm).

Pagan won't be ready for the start of the Cactus League as he recovers from offseason sports hernia surgery, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though Pagan will miss the first handful of spring training games, he has been throwing bullpen sessions during camp -- a good indication that he'll be able to return to game action sooner rather than later. Once he's able to get into a few Cactus League contests, Pagan's status for Opening Day should become clearer.

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

Pagan needed just nine pitches in an easy bottom of the ninth inning Friday to earn his first save of the season 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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

Pagan (hip) allowed a hit and no walks over 2.1 scoreless innings in Thursday's 7-6 victory over the Guardians.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.