Santillan (back) threw a live batting practice session Saturday, facing Will Benson and Jose Barrero, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. It was his first live session of the spring.

EDGE Analysis

Santillan is targeting a return to game action by mid-April, though what role he'll have upon his return remains uncertain.

Santillan (back) is throwing a side session Tuesday in Reds camp, Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Santillan is likely to spend a bit of time on the IL to begin the 2023 regular season as he continues to work through a back strain that popped up last summer, but the hope is that he could be a high-leverage bullpen option in Cincinnati around early-to-mid April.

Santillan (back) could be delayed at the start of the season, Reds manager David Bell told Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Santillan is making steady progress in his recovery from the lower-back strain that he suffered last summer, but he hasn't quite returned to full strength yet. The 25-year-old right-hander projects to fill a middle-relief role for Cincinnati whenever he is fit enough to do so.

Santillan (back) is unlikely to return this season, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager David Bell called it a "long shot" to expect Santillan to return from his lower-back strain this season. Alexis Diaz has emerged as the Reds' go-to option for saves in Santillan's absence.

The Reds transferred Santillan (back) to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The move guarantees Santillan will return from his back strain no sooner than mid-August, though manager David Bell speculated the reliever might not be activated until September, per Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer. Prior to landing on the shelf with al lower-back strain, Santillan struggled to the tune of a 5.49 ERA and 1.78 WHIP in 19.2 innings, but he could still see high-leverage work once healthy.

Santillan (back) began core-strengthening exercises this weekend and could be cleared to resume a throwing program within the next week, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Santillan may have an outside chance of making it back for the final weekend before the All-Star break if he avoids any further snags in his rehab program for his strained lower back, but given the Reds' place in the standings, it wouldn't be surprising if he was held out for the remainder of the second half. Before landing on the shelf, Santillan had recorded a save, blown save or hold in each of his final seven appearances, but he may not immediately factor into closing situations upon his return. While Santillan has been sidelined, Hunter Strickland has notched three saves in as many chances and looks to be manager David Bell's preferred closing option.

Santillan was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday due to a back injury.

EDGE Analysis

Santillan has apparently been dealing with the issue over the last few days and will be sidelined for at least two weeks. The exact nature and severity of his injury aren't yet clear, and he doesn't have a timetable to return. Art Warren and Alexis Diaz should see more work in the ninth inning while Santillan and Lucas Sims (back) are sidelined.

Santillan (0-1) allowed four runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks to blow the save and take the loss Thursday against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Santillan entered the game in the ninth inning in a save situation, but he unraveled by retiring just two of the six batters he faced. While he has served as Cincinnati's closer of late, Santillan has allowed at least one earned run in each of his last three appearances while allowing eight hits and three walks across just 2.1 frames in that span. Art Warren or Alexis Diaz could start to earn more work in the ninth inning if Santillan's struggles continue.

Santillan got the save Tuesday after he pitched one inning, giving up one run on three hits while striking out two in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Santillan was called on in the bottom of the ninth inning to protect a 2-0 lead, but he quickly ran into trouble. He allowed three hits including a two-out RBI single to Alex Verdugo, but he was able to get Trevor Story swinging to end the contest. The save was the 25-year-old's fourth of the season in five opportunities and he also has four holds. The earned run was his first given up in his last six appearances, earning two three saves and two holds over that stretch. Santillan now owns 4.67 ERA and 1.56 WHIP with 20 strikeouts 17.1 frames in 17 appearances this year.

Santillan allowed two hits and a walk with two strikeouts in 1.1 innings to earn the save in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Santillan escaped a two-on, two-out jam in the eighth inning with little trouble before putting more traffic on base in the ninth. He was able to get a little help from his defense, as Joey Bart was thrown out at home on a two-out Wilmer Flores single that would have counted as the game-tying run. Santillan has not given up a run in his last five appearances, logging six scoreless inning with two saves, two holds and a 4:4 K:BB in that span. For the season, he's posted a 4.41 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 18:9 K:BB, three saves, four holds and a blown save across 16.1 innings. As long as he's pitching well, the 25-year-old should remain in the Reds' high-leverage mix as part of a closer committee.