Reds FeedBlake Dunn
CF · Age 28 · Bats Right
Where things stand
Blake Dunn is sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 season after undergoing ulnar nerve transposition surgery, his second elbow procedure in two months. The 28-year-old Reds outfielder had shown improvement this season with a .282 batting average and reduced strikeout rate across 155 plate appearances before the injury forced him to the 60-day injured list. The Reds' outfield production has been historically poor, ranking last in baseball, making Dunn's recovery a significant factor in the team's 2027 plans.
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2026 season
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Blake Dunn coverage
Reds could find the perfect platoon bat hiding on the White Sox playoff roster
Randal Grichuk, a 34-year-old outfielder currently with the White Sox, could be an ideal platoon option for the Cincinnati Reds in 2027. After struggling with the Yankees early in 2026, Grichuk was signed to a minor-league deal by Chicago and has since posted a .299 average with 15 home runs in 101 games, while hitting .327 against left-handed pitchers. The Reds currently lack right-handed outfield depth, with Blake Dunn potentially missing the entire season due to elbow surgery and Noelvi Marte likely to start in the minor leagues. As a free agent after the season, Grichuk would not command a large contract at age 35 and could fill the complementary role the Reds need alongside their left-handed hitting outfielders.
Blog Red MachineThe Cincinnati Reds outfield in a post TJ Friedl world
The Cincinnati Reds designated TJ Friedl for assignment after he struggled significantly in 2026, leaving a gap in center field and leadoff duties. The team's outfield production has been historically poor, with the right field group posting a 56 wRC+ last season—the worst in baseball—and the entire outfield combining for a 79 wRC+, also last in the majors. The Reds have several in-house options for 2027 including JJ Bleday, Dane Myers, Hector Rodriguez, Blake Dunn, and Carlos Jorge, though none appear capable of being an everyday regular or middle-order contributor at this point. The organization faces pressure to rebuild its outfield but shows little urgency in acquiring proven talent, instead relying on internal prospects to develop.
Red ReporterReds’ Blake Dunn To Undergo Ulnar Nerve Transposition Procedure
Blake Dunn of the Cincinnati Reds will undergo ulnar nerve transposition surgery tomorrow, marking his second elbow procedure in two months following an internal brace operation on his right elbow in August. The procedure repositions the ulnar nerve to relieve compression and associated pain, a surgery several other major leaguers have undergone in recent years. Dunn, 28, batted .282 with a .335 on-base percentage across 155 plate appearances this season while showing significant improvement in his strikeout rate. The Reds' outfield has struggled dramatically this year, ranking last in baseball in production, making Dunn a potential contributor if he recovers fully from surgery.
MLB Trade RumorsReds Claim Ron Marinaccio, Chase Solesky
The Reds claimed right-handers Ron Marinaccio and Chase Solesky off waivers from the Pirates and Rays, respectively, while opening roster spots by transferring outfielder Blake Dunn to the 60-day injured list following internal brace surgery. Marinaccio, 31, has regressed this season with a 4.99 ERA across 52 1/3 innings with the Padres and Pirates and will join Cincinnati's bullpen, while Solesky, 28, was sent to Triple-A Louisville after making one major league appearance. The moves come as the Reds deal with rotation depth issues following Hunter Greene's return to the injured list, with Nick Lodolo potentially returning next week.
MLB Trade RumorsBlake Dunn Undergoes Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Blake Dunn underwent elbow surgery with an internal brace procedure and will miss approximately six months, putting him on track to return around the start of Spring Training. The 27-year-old Cincinnati Reds outfielder, who has appeared in 87 games this season with a .232 batting average, was placed on the 60-day injured list and will not play again in 2024. Dunn has been a depth player for the Reds since June 2024, shuttling between the majors and Triple-A Louisville, though he has provided strong defensive value with seven Defensive Runs Saved across all three outfield positions.
MLB Trade Rumors