Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Tony Santillan was positioned as the likely replacement for injured closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring) in early May 2026. Initially showing promise with a 2.87 ERA and 9 holds, Santillan has since experienced a dramatic collapse in May. He has allowed home runs in four consecutive appearances, given up runs in all five May outings, and his ERA has inflated from 1.98 at the end of April to 5.82 by mid-May. Recent performances include blown saves, a four-run outing where he failed to record an out, and a game-winning two-run homer allowed in extra innings. His value as a closer has diminished significantly, with both he and Graham Ashcraft now expected to split save opportunities.
Strengths
- + Trusted late-game arm for manager Terry Francona
- + 12 career saves - more than other relievers competing for closer role
- + Strong track record with 2.44 ERA over 80 games in 2025
- + 3.01 ERA over 175 career games
- + 13 scoreless appearances out of first 16 outings early in season
- + Leads Reds with 9 holds
Weaknesses
- - ERA ballooned from 1.98 (end of April) to 5.82 (mid-May)
- - Allowed 5 home runs in last 5 innings with 16.20 ERA over that span
- - Home runs in 4 consecutive appearances
- - Runs allowed in all 5 May outings
- - 2 blown saves in May
- - Failed to record an out in recent 4-run outing against Astros
- - Velocity down early in season
- - Inconsistent performance in high-leverage situations
About
Tony Santillan is a rp for the Cincinnati Reds.
Player Overview
RP
Cincinnati Reds
Recent News
Tony Santillan earned his second save with a perfect ninth against the Phillies on Tuesday.
May 19, 2026
Tejay Antone allowed one run against the Guardians in the ninth inning to lock down his first save of the season.
May 15, 2026
Daylen Lile stuffed the box scored in the Nationals' 8-7 win over the Reds on Wednesday, finishing 2-for-4 with a homer, a steal, and three RBI.
May 13, 2026