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  "description": "Navigating the closer carousel is not easy. But guess what, we do it anyway. We are not in the business of taking the easy way out, so Ray Kuhn takes a look at the recent bullpen news.",
  "path": "/bullpen-banter-pagan-is-back-but-helsley-is-gone-again/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-07-04T18:37:25.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.prospectslive.com",
  "tags": [
    "Bullpen Banter - Prospects LiveProspects LiveRay Kuhn",
    "Rico Garcia",
    "Ryan Helsley",
    "Emilio Pagan",
    "Tony Santillan",
    "Kirby Yates",
    "Sam Bachman’s",
    "Samy Natera",
    "Subscribe now"
  ],
  "textContent": "We got a veteran closer back this week, and despite a few situations that are clear as mud, the waters seemed relatively calm. And then, just like that, we were reminded that we can’t have nice things, and a key closer, albeit one that just returned, was headed back to the Injured List.\n\nBullpen Banter - Prospects LiveProspects LiveRay Kuhn\n\n### Baltimore Orioles\n\nRico Garcia (Photo Credit: mlb.com)\n\nBack to Rico Garcia we go. And that means we are back to Ryan Helsley taking up a bench spot. For now, at least, we have to hold Helsley until we get a more concrete timetable for his return, but the expectation is that this will be a multi-week absence. Helsley just returned after missing seven weeks for elbow inflammation, and now he’s back on the injured list for the same issue. After he previously picked up three saves when Helsley was out, it appears Baltimore is going back to Garcia for the ninth inning. That was the case on Friday as Garcia recorded his fourth save of the season. Through 37.2 innings this season, Garcia has 41 strikeouts and 13 holds, along with a 2.39 ERA and 0.85 WHIP.\n\n### Cincinnati Reds\n\nEmilio Pagan (Photo Credit: mlb.com)\n\nClarity is always a great thing. That rings true even when what we are working with might not be the best, but at least we know what we are working with. And in the case of Emilio Pagan returning to the ninth inning for the Reds, it’s much better than the alternatives. That was proven while Pagan was on the Injured List, but now he’s back anchoring Cincinnati’s bullpen. Prior to heading to the injured list, Pagan wasn’t having the best of seasons, but he does have six saves in 16 games. While his 6.28 ERA is less than ideal, his 4.93 FIP paints a slightly more optimistic picture. Yes, we are stretching the case here, but we also have to follow every single path that leads us to saves. Whether it was Tony Santillan or others, we certainly tried to do so, but now he’s on the Injured List with an oblique injury. That lends a helpful clarity to the situation, and that can’t be ignored. With 32 saves last season, Pagan also proved that he can do the job, and now he has limited competition or obstacles.\n\n### Los Angeles Angels\n\nKirby Yates (Photo Credit: Paul Sancya)\n\nLast week, it seemed Kirby Yates was out of the conversation for saves, and it was Sam Bachman’s turn, but now I’m not so sure. Going back to last Saturday, Bachman picked up the hold, and Yates did secure the save. Samy Natera, an interesting young arm, got the call the next day, and the Angels haven’t had a save opportunity since. Yates threw a perfect inning for his second save of the season and brought his ERA down to 3.06. He has a 34.2% strikeout rate, and now that Yates is seemingly healthy and has shaken off any rust, the veteran should be the clear ninth-inning option.\n\n## Sign up for Prospects Live\n\nYour one stop shop for Dynasty Fantasy Baseball, MLB Draft, Baseball Card & MiLB Baseball content. Blending Data & Scouting into our Player Evaluation\n\nSubscribe\n\nEmail sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup.\n\nNo spam. Unsubscribe anytime.\n\n### This post is for subscribers only\n\nBecome a member to get access to all content\n\nSubscribe now",
  "title": "Bullpen Banter - Pagan is Back, But Helsley is Gone (Again)",
  "updatedAt": "2026-07-04T18:37:25.555Z"
}