Injuries & Moves: Dunn optioned to Triple-A; Martini recalled
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June 14: OF Blake Dunn optioned to Triple-A Louisville; OF/1B Nick Martini recalled from Louisville
The right-handed hitting Dunn, who was promoted to the big leagues for the first time on June 4, was needed because the Reds were facing a spate of left-handed starting pitchers. Now that they are expecting to see fewer lefties in the near future, the decision was made to bring back the lefty-hitting Martini to be an option off the bench. It’s his third big league stint this season. Martini entered Friday batting .200/.242/.355 with four home runs this season.
10-DAY/15-DAY IL
1B Christian Encarnacion-Strand (right hand fracture)
Expected return: June
Encarnacion-Strand, who was diagnosed with a right ulnar styloid fracture on the inside of his hand near his wrist on May 8, underwent a follow-up exam on June 5 with Reds doctors that showed he was ready to take the next step in his rehab progression. That was put on hold, however, because the first baseman opted to get a second opinion before moving forward.
Reds manager David Bell said on June 11 that a specialist examined Encarnacion-Strand's hand and it was determined that there was also ligament damage from the injury. Season-ending surgery to repair the issue is on the table but it’s also possible he could return to play and have the surgery after the season, or no surgery at all. Following the exam, the first baseman was advised to rest an additional five days. (Last updated: June 11)
RHP Emilio Pagán (right lat strain)
Estimated return: After the All-Star break
Pagán was placed on the 15-day IL on June 9 after pitching one inning against the Cubs on June 8. That marked his first outing since being activated from the IL on June 6 following a right triceps injury that cost him two-plus weeks. Reds manager David Bell said the latest setback is similar to the original injury, and that Pagán is not expected back until the second half.
"It's the same thing," Bell said on June 9. "The symptoms are more in the shoulder and almost like [triceps], but it's inflammation in his lat. Obviously, it could be a lot worse. He's very frustrated, because he prides himself in staying healthy. But now, I would anticipate him being back after the All-Star break. And I think the good part of that is he can be rested and strong for the second half and beyond." (Last updated: June 9)
SS Edwin Arroyo (left shoulder surgery)
Estimated return: 2025
Arroyo, who is ranked by MLB Pipeline as Cincinnati’s No. 3 prospect and No. 55 overall, is out for the season after having surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder during Spring Training. In a March 13 Cactus League game vs. the Giants, the 20-year-old was injured diving back to first base during a pick-off throw. (Last updated: May 17)
60-DAY IL
LHP Brandon Williamson (left shoulder strain)
Expected return: TBD
After meeting with a specialist, Williamson went the non-surgical route and underwent injections on his left shoulder and has been told not to throw for at least three weeks. He was recently diagnosed with a Bennett lesion in the shoulder. One option was season-ending surgery to repair it. Williamson had his rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville halted on June 6 because of discomfort in his shoulder. He has been out of big league action since Spring Training. (Last updated: June 14)
RHP Ian Gibaut (right forearm strain)
Expected return: Later in 2024
Gibaut is scheduled to meet with the doctor soon. If all has healed well from his May 9 surgery to relieve a compression in a forearm nerve -- called the anterior interosseous nerve or AIN -- it’s possible that he could return to the team within six weeks, manager David Bell said. (Last updated: June 14)
2B Matt McLain (left shoulder surgery)
Expected return: Possibly second half
Six weeks removed from shoulder surgery, McLain was cleared to resume throwing and running. He might be able to start swinging a bat in an additional six weeks, which he said would help determine a clearer timeline for his rehab. Both McLain and manager David Bell reaffirmed that the goal is for McLain to return this season. (Last updated: May 10)
RHP Tejay Antone (right elbow surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Antone was moved to the 60-day IL on April 19 after he had right elbow and arm surgery on April 12 that repaired tears in his ulnar collateral ligament and flexor mass tendon. It was performed in Cincinnati by team orthopedic surgeon Dr. Timothy Kremchek. Antone, 30, has a 2.47 ERA over 45 big league games since 2020. (Last updated: April 19)