Justin Dunn's injury history shouldn't sully the Reds trade with the Mariners

It appears as though Justin Dunn will not be ready for the start of the 2023. Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer (subscription required), reports that Dunn has battled some shoulder discomfort late in the offseason.

This will all but take Dunn out of the competition for a spot in the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation. While Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Graham Ashcraft are virtual locks, the other two spots are up for grabs.

But don't let the fact that Dunn has only appeared in seven games with the Reds sully your thoughts about last spring's trade with the Seattle Mariners. That deal still has potential to be a net-gain for the Redlegs.

Justin Dunn's injury shouldn't sully the Reds trade with the Mariners.

Last spring, the Cincinnati Reds made an unpopular trade with the Seattle Mariners. Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez were shipped to Seattle in exchange for Justin Dunn, Jake Fraley, Brandon Williamson, and Connor Phillips.

One could argue that Dunn, despite the fact he's a former first-round draft pick, was the least impactful player in that deal. Williamson was seen as the big "get" at the time, but it may prove that Phillips is indeed the best piece of that trade.

The hope, of course, that Dunn can rehab from his injury and get back on the field rather quickly. However, his future with the Reds may be in the bullpen. With Dunn out of the picture, the final two spots will come down to Luke Weaver, Connor Overton, Chase Anderson, Luis Cessa, and two prospects.

Since the Cincinnati Reds trade withe Seattle Mariners last year, Jesse Winker has moved on to the Milwaukee Brewers while Eugenio Suarez had a resurgent season that helped lead his team back to the postseason for the first time in over 20 years.

Though Justin Dunn is out of action, one of the other players sent to Cincinnati is up for a spot in the starting rotation. Brandon Williamson will actually toe the rubber as the starter for the Reds Cactus League opener later this week.