Scary moment for ex-Reds star Jonathan India brings back painful memory from 2024

When Jonathan India took a 98.9 mph cutter to the face from Emmanuel Clase, Cincinnati Reds fans shuddered. Not because India was once a darling of the franchise, but because less than a year ago, rookie Blake Dunn was struck in the head by a 101 mph pitch from Clase. The similarity of the two events dredged up memories from an injury-plagued 2024 Reds campaign.

Luckily for Dunn, his helmet cracked but his bones were left intact, and he was able to jog to first base in the ninth inning of a loss to the Cleveland Guardians last June. He passed a concussion check but was demoted to Triple-A following the game. Ironically, Dunn would be beaned again in his first game back with Louisville.

The eerie similarities between Jonathan India’s scary HBP and Blake Dunn’s shake Reds fans

The multiple hit-by-pitches seem to have lit a fire under Dunn, who went on a seven-game hit streak and produced a .263 average after his first game back in Triple-A. Just as he got hot, though, he was hit in the head again and went on the IL with a laceration on the left side of his face.

Dunn is now trying to shake off his doubters, like he shook off Clase’s four-seamer. He earned a spot on the Reds’ Opening Day roster and can count manager Terry Francona among his fans. Dunn has been used as a late-inning defensive replacement for Gavin Lux in left and started the series finale against the San Francisco Giants in center field with left-hander Robbie Ray on the mound.

Similarly, India hopped right back into the action the day after being hit by Clase. He started the Kansas City Royals’ matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers (at third base) and sparked a three-run first inning with a leadoff single. While India’s time in Cincinnati came to a disappointing and contentious close, Reds fans — and baseball fans in general — will be glad to once again avoid Clase-induced disaster.

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