3 forgotten Reds players who could sneak onto the playoff roster

The Cincinnati Reds will reveal their playoff roster before Tuesday's clash against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and most fans have a good idea of which 26 players will be at Terry Francona's disposal during the upcoming NL Wild Card Series.

While names like Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, and Tony Santillan are guaranteed to be part of the Reds playoff roster, don't be surprised if Francona sneaks in a handful of surprises. These three forgotten Reds players could find their way onto the Reds playoff roster.

3 forgotten Reds players who could sneak onto the playoff roster

Blake Dunn, Reds outfielder

Blake Dunn hasn't been in a Reds uniform since May 8. So why in the world would the Reds add him to the playoff roster? One reason — speed. In a short series, the Reds can afford to go light on pitchers. Cincinnati only needs three starters, which will give Francona the opportunity to add on a couple of extra position players.

Dunn had 24 stolen bases at Triple-A Louisville, and according to Baseball Savant, has one of the fastest spring speeds (29.7 ft/sec) in the majors this season. Cincinnati could add Dunn to the roster, if for no other reason than to act a pinch runner late in games; something the Reds did with Billy Hamilton in 2013.

Sam Moll, Reds pitcher

Reiver Sanmartin made an amazing return to the major leagues after undergoing Tommy John surgery back in 2023. In 67 innings at Triple-A Louisville, he posted a 2.67 ERA with 55 punch outs. Unfortunately, because he wasn't added to the 40-man roster until September 2, Sanmartin doesn't qualify to be part of the postseason roster. As such, the Reds only other lefty on the 40-man roster is Sam Moll.

The Reds finished the season with just one left-handed pitcher — Brent Suter — in the bullpen. While Graham Ashcraft has had success against lefties this season, the Dodgers' lineup is loaded with left-handed bats, and the Reds may need reinforcements. Adding Moll may not be ideal, but it could be necessary.

Rece Hinds, Reds outfielder

As mentioned earlier, the Reds don't need a full compliment of pitchers in a shortened-series. With Austin Hays' back injury still a concern, the Reds would be wise to add an another right-handed hitting outfielder to the playoff roster.

Rece Hinds didn't show much during his time on the big league roster this season, but his final month with the Louisville Bats was outstanding. Hinds posted a .382/.393/.636 slash line with a 170 wRC+ during the month of September. Much like Dunn, Hinds has elite speed on the base paths, and could be a key contributor if he's added to the Reds playoff roster.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors