Reds prospects: Jacob Hurtubise injured, Connor Phillips' debut, Blake Dunn robs HR

The Cincinnati Reds enjoyed a win on Opening Day last week, but the organization's minor league clubs are readying for the 2024 season as well. In fact, the Reds Triple-A affiliate has already began their 2024 campaign.

The Louisville Bats' season got underway with Pat Kelly's ball club off to a 3-1 start. While there's no Elly De La Cruz or Matt McLain starting the season at Triple-A Louisville this season, the Bats do employ several talented Reds prospects this year.

Unfortunately, one of the Reds top young outfielders has landed on the injured list. One of Cincinnati's top pitching prospects started off 2024 on the right foot, and another made highlight play on Tuesday. So how are things going down on the farm?

Reds prospects: Jacob Hurtubise lands on the injured list

One of the most entertaining young prospects in the Reds farm system is Jacob Hurtubise. A graduate of West Point, Hurtubise was added to the Reds 40-man roster during the offseason and received an opportunity during spring training to join Cincinnati's Opening Day roster.

But the Bats will be without Hurtubise for the foreseeable future. The outfielder was placed on the seven-day IL with a shoulder strain. It's yet to be reported how many games Hurtubise is expected to miss. In his stead, it's safe to assume that Conner Capel will get the majority of reps in the outfield.

Reds prospects: Connor Phillips shines in 2024 debut

It wasn't his best start, but Connor Phillips kept the Gwinnett bats in check on Tuesday night. Phillips, who was in the mix to be part of the Reds Opening Day rotation, made his 2024 debut by going six innings and allowing just one run.

Phillips struck out three batters, but also walked three. Until Phillips is able to command his pitches and keep free runners off the base paths, he'll be stuck down at Triple-A. Phillips might have the highest ceiling of any pitcher in the Reds farm system, but he can't keep walking batters. That will be a point of emphasis for Phillips this season.

Reds prospects: Outfielder Blake Dunn robs home run

One of the Reds top prospects who's been on a tear since last year is Blake Dunn. A late-round draft pick, Dunn put the injuries behind him last season and was arguably the best prospect in the Cincinnati farm system.

While the Dunn hasn't had much to speak of in the batters' box, he has wasted little time this season showing off his glove this season. Dunn made a spectacular catch in the bottom of the third inning during Tuesday's game against the Gwinnett Stripers and robbed J.P. Martinez.

With TJ Friedl out of the Reds lineup for the next several weeks and Hurtubise on the IL, if the Reds are in need of an extra outfielder, don't be shocked if Dunn gets the call.

More Reds News from Blog Red Machine