Reds closer Emilio Pagán played a catch on Wednesday, suggesting his left hamstring issue is milder than feared. Manager Terry Francona noted the pitcher threw aggressively on flat ground, easing concerns. Pagán's performance in Tuesday’s 2‑1 win over the Giants added a fifth save to his record for the season.

The injury scare unfolded after Pagán wound up a tight left leg during a pitch to Giants pinch hitter Daniel Susac, who reached the warning track for the final out. Pagán admitted he felt a brief pull but no rupture, testing the muscle with a short drill before cooling down.

Pagán’s effort extended his scoreless streak to six games and six innings, keeping the Reds’ bullpen resilient ahead of a Thursday clash with San Francisco. Francona said the pitcher’s availability for Wednesday night remains uncertain, but the team hopes the hamstring will stay manageable for the rest of the season.

With the Reds vying for a postseason berth, Pagán’s quick recovery could prove pivotal. A healthy closer would give manager Francona more flexibility in late‑inning situations. The outcome of this injury check will influence bullpen strategy and the team’s confidence heading into the final month of play for the series.