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Cincinnati Reds Place Tony Santillan on Injured List, Ending His Season Early
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- Cincinnati Reds Place Tony Santillan on Injured List, Ending His Season Early
The Cincinnati Reds have made a season-ending move with only six games remaining on the 2026 schedule.
Cincinnati placed right-handed reliever Tony Santillan on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a left hip labral tear. The move is retroactive to Sept. 19, ending Santillan's season.
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The Reds announced the roster move on their official X account.
Santillan's injury brings an early close to a difficult season for the 29-year-old reliever. He struggled to match his 2025 performance, when he posted a 2.44 ERA, finishing 2026 with a 6.42 ERA and 1.67 WHIP while recording five saves.
The Reds recalled right-hander Connor Phillips from Triple-A Louisville to take Santillan's spot on the roster.
Phillips spent much of the season in the minors after struggling with his command during his previous major league opportunities. He posted a 5.53 ERA with 28 walks over 27.2 innings in the majors before his demotion.
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The late-season recall gives Cincinnati another opportunity to evaluate Phillips before the offseason. With the Reds already eliminated from postseason contention, the final six games can provide additional information on players competing for roles in 2027.
Cincinnati enters the final week at 72-84 and last in the National League Central. The Brewers have already clinched the division, while the Cubs hold a Wild Card position.
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) USA TODAY Network
The Reds' bullpen has faced its share of problems this season, making Santillan's injury another setback for a relief corps that has struggled to replicate last year's production.
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For Santillan, the priority now shifts to recovering from the hip injury and preparing for the offseason. Cincinnati will have to determine how his health and 2026 performance factor into its plans for next season.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
