Cubs Edge Reds in Walk-Off Win; Pagan Injured, Paddack DFA’d

The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4-3 in a walk-off thriller on Tuesday, marking their second straight win and extending their home winning streak to 14 games. With the victory, the Cubs improved to 22-10 at Wrigley Field this season. Trevor Story led the offense with a three-hit game, including a key RBI double in the sixth inning.

Tensions flared in Detroit when Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez hit Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story with a pitch in the fourth inning. The incident followed back-to-back home runs by the Red Sox, and benches cleared as both dugouts emptied. Story called the pitch “pretty indisputable,” while Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said, “We play a really good brand of baseball here. That didn’t feel like it.” Valdez has yet to be suspended, but a punishment is expected.

Reds closer Emilio Pagan exited Tuesday’s game after throwing just one pitch in the ninth inning. The right-hander immediately limped off the field and was carted to the dugout with a hamstring injury. He’ll be placed on the injured list, with right-hander Pierce Johnson returning from the bereavement list to take his spot in the bullpen. Tony Santillan and Graham Ashcraft are the top candidates to serve as the new closer. Santillan, who saved seven games in 2025, is the most experienced option.

The Miami Marlins designated right-hander Chris Paddack for assignment on Tuesday after he posted a 7.00 ERA over 2 2/3 innings in two starts. Paddack, signed to a one-year, $4 million deal in February, was ineffective in his seven starts with the Marlins. The team now turns to Triple-A lefty Braxton Garrett, who has a 2.30 ERA in six starts with Jacksonville this season. Garrett, who made 11 appearances with Miami last year, could see his first MLB rotation spot in 2025.

The Cubs remain in first place in the NL Central with a 30-18 record, while the Reds fall to 21-26. The Tigers (23-22) and Red Sox (25-20) continue their division race in the AL East. The Marlins (19-27) are searching for consistency as they look to climb out of the AL East basement.

The Cubs are back in action Wednesday against the Pirates, while the Reds host the Pirates in a three-game set. The Tigers and Red Sox will rematch Thursday in Boston. The Marlins are expected to name a replacement for Paddack by Friday’s 5 p.m. ET deadline.