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The most disappointing aspect of the Reds’ season has been the way that former All-Star closer Alexis Daz has fallen off the map. The Reds planned to have him pitching the ninth inning this season, but he has a 3.72 ERA in 10 Triple-A games this year. And still, the Reds’ bullpen has been a strength. This was going to be a story about Emilio Pagn establishing himself at the back of the Reds’ bullpen and consistently being able to take the ball in big moments. But Pagn and Terry Francona took questions about the Reds’ closer as an opportunity to praise some other high-impact relievers who have been winning games for the Reds this season.“Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft are not getting enough credit for how they’ve thrown the ball,” Pagn said. When the group has been fully rested, the game has been a race to get the ball to Ashcraft, Santillan and Pagn to close it out. Pagn has received the most credit because he’s the one pitching in the ninth inning, but Ashcraft and Santillan have arguably gotten even more high-leverage and significant outs in higher pressure spots in the seventh or eighth inning. (责任编辑：) |