Blake

Dunn

This is a procedural move to free up a 40-man roster spot. It was already announced that Dunn would have season-ending shoulder surgery.

The good news for Dunn is that it was a career year — he hit .282/.335/.387 with two homers and six stolen bases in 155 plate appearances. The bad news is that we have no idea how long this elbow surgery will keep him out just yet. He’ll get another chance in Cincy’s outfield mix in 2027 if healthy.

Dunn recently underwent an MRI exam on his injured elbow which revealed some ligament damage. He’s now set to get a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister. Francona admitted that surgery is now an option for Dunn, in which case his 2026 season would be over.

Dunn was pulled from Saturday’s game after experiencing discomfort in his elbow. Still no word from the Reds on how long they expect the 27-year-old outfielder to miss, but it’ll be at least a week and a half. TJ Friedl was recalled from Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move to take his place on the club’s active roster.

Dunn is heading back to Cincinnati to undergo additional evaluation and imaging after leaving Friday’s game against the Pirates in the sixth inning with elbow discomfort. He’s served as Cincinnati’s primary top-of-the-order table-setter since late May. It’s unclear whether he’ll require a trip to the injured list, but it seems likely ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Brewers. There should be an update on his status later this weekend.

De La Cruz has gone 1-for-9 at the dish across three games since returning from the injured list earlier this week. The 24-year-old fantasy superstar moves atop Cincinnati’s lineup for the first time this season after mostly hitting second or third. It’s possible this is merely one-game change with typical table-setter Blake Dunn sitting out due to an elbow injury. It’s a situation worth monitoring for the next couple days.

On a night where the Reds managed just four hits, Dunn was responsible for two of them. Dunn is slashing a respectable .273/.322/.382 on the month while serving as the Reds’ leadoff man and has also swiped four bases on five attempts.

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.