Blake

Dunn

Arroyo moves up to the leadoff spot with Noelvi Marte taking over in center field with Blake Dunn receiving an off day in this one. The 22-year-old top prospect has hit just .227 (5-for-22) with one RBI in 10 games since being called up from Triple-A Louisville earlier this month. His opportunity to carve out a permanent spot on Cincinnati’s roster, likely as their primary second base option, is fading quickly with Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) progressing towards a minor league rehab assignment.

This is Dunn’s first game on the bench since May 19th, starting in 18 straight games in the outfield. Over that stretch, he has hit .284/.318/.383 with one home run, nine runs scored, four RBI, and three steals. He’s more of a deep league asset given that he hits leadoffs in one of the best offensive environments in baseball. Dane Myers will start in center field and bat seventh on Wednesday.

Dunn’s homer was a two-run blast off Stephen Kolek that tied the game in the fifth. The Reds have cycled through leadoff hitters this season, but Dunn has occupied the spot in 10 of their past 11 contests. The lineup isn’t as dangerous without Elly De La Cruz, but it’s a nice role to have with a great home park to hit in and summer weather approaching.

Myers hasn’t come off Cincinnati’s bench since last Friday due to illness. The 30-year-old reserve outfielder is presumably available, if needed, after getting a couple days off to rest and recover. Blake Dunn will continue handling center field and leading off for the Reds.

Here’s something you don’t see everyday: a batter coming to the plate six times in a game where their team only scored two runs. Just about the only way to do that is by stranding 17 runners on base like the Reds did here. Dunn contributed to that number himself too, by making two outs with runners in scoring position including a game-ending strikeout with the bases loaded. Nevertheless, this was his fourth straight game hitting lead-off – against a mix of right and left-handed pitchers – and he has instant fantasy value in that role.

Dunn occupies Cincinnati’s leadoff spot for the fifth straight contest and is slashing .311/.380/.467 with one homer, two RBI and two steals in 15 games since coming up from Triple-A Louisville. There’s nothing in the 27-year-old’s extensive track record in the upper minors that suggests he’s be a highly impactful fantasy contributor as a power/speed combo threat, but he’s likely to remain a strong batting average source based on his ability to maintain a high BABIP thanks to his athleticism. There’s some limited fantasy appeal in deeper mixed leagues, especially if he’s going to stick in the leadoff spot ahead of Cincinnati’s middle-of-the-order mashers.

Dunn’s game-winner was credited as a fielder’s choice. He got a soft liner past the pitcher, and Spencer Steer, who was on third, was able to score just ahead of Masyn Winn’s throw from shortstop. Still, Dunn did have two singles earlier, and he went 1-for-3 in the matinee. He’s batting .351/.400/.541 in 40 plate appearances, and he seems poised to play regularly in the Reds outfield until he slows down.

With the Cubs throwing a lefty, Dunn was making his first start in five games since being called up Sunday. Dunn struck out his first two times up against Shota Imanaga, but he then had a bunt single in the sixth and he homered off righty Gavin Hollowell in the eighth. It was his third major league homer. He had one in 29 plate appearances in 2024 and one in 75 plate appearances last year.

Dunn was off to a solid start at the Triple-A level, slashing .277.365/.353 with one homer, 13 RBI and seven stolen bases across his first 138 plate appearances. He’ll function in a reserve outfielder role for the Reds and can continue to be ignored for fantasy purposes. Rece Hinds was optioned to Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move on Sunday.

Dunn’s chances of making the opening day roster were hurt when the Reds added both JJ Bleday and Dane Myers. Dunn also hyperextended his knee in spring training, which didn’t help. The 27-year-old is on the 40-man roster and has a minor league option left, so he will likely either begin the season on the IL or in Triple-A.