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Cincinnati Reds bolster pitching depth ahead of key matchups

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 1:02 AM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

Baseball

Summary

The Cincinnati Reds activated reliever Pierce Johnson from the injured list on June 22, after he recovered from elbow inflammation. This move strengthens a bullpen that had relied heavily on veteran lefties and inexperienced pitchers. Closer Tony Santillan has also shown improvement in June, complementing the deepening roster. Emilio Pagán is nearing a return after a hamstring injury, and Hunter Greene is ahead of schedule in his rehab, potentially returning by July 3. Manager Terry Francona emphasizes the importance of having experienced players available as the team aims to go on a winning streak.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Pierce Johnson returns from injury, boosting the bullpen's right-handed options.
•Closer Tony Santillan is regaining form this month.
•Emilio Pagán is set to begin a rehab assignment.
•Hunter Greene may return by July 3 after successful rehab outings.
•The Reds aim for a winning streak to enhance their playoff prospects.

Latest Updates

1:02 AMYahoo Sports — Cincinnati Reds: Pitching staff building key depth as they work to go on a run

What they're saying

"
Jun. 23—When the Cincinnati Reds were in their roughest stretches this season — in early May and in early June — the pitching staff was at its thinnest, and the depth was at shallow points. Now, the pitching staff is continuing to get deeper with more reinforcements on the way. On Monday, June 22, the Reds activated reliever Pierce Johnson from the injured list. He had been out for a few weeks ...
— Yahoo Sports

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