Surprising Reds breakout is forcing his way into Cincinnati’s long-term plans

Blake Dunn wasn't supposed to be a long-term fit for this year's Cincinnati Reds roster, but it appears as though he didn't get the memo. Since being recalled to the big leagues earlier this month, Dunn's been an invaluable piece of the roster and could back Cincinnati's front office into a corner when Eugenio Suárez returns from the injured list.

Dunn was a key contributor during the team's recent series win against the Philadelphia Phillies. He was 4-for-9 in the series and is hitting .357/.419/.607 in 11 games for the Reds this season. Dunn fits his role perfectly. The former 15th-round draft pick has blazing-fast speed on the base paths and can play above-average defense at all three outfield spots.

Reds will be hardpressed to demote Blake Dunn when Eugenio Suárez returns

Suárez began a rehab assignment on Wednesday and went 1-for-4 with a double in his first game with the Louisville Bats. During Wednesday's television broadcast, RedsTV reporter Jim Day revealed that Geno will participate in another rehab game on Thursday and could be activated as soon as Friday.

This could present the Reds with quite the quandary. In order to add Suárez back to the active roster, someone will have to depart. Given how well Dunn has played of late, it seems unlikely that he'd be optioned back to Triple-A. But who else could be sent down if Cincinnati decides to keep Dunn on the big-league roster?

Dane Myers, TJ Friedl, and Will Benson all have minor-league options remaining, and none of those three players have been hitting well of late. Myers has a meager .154 batting average since the calendar flipped to May. Friedl was bumped down in the starting lineup after going 7-for-37 during the 10 games prior. And Benson hasn't had an extra-base hit since May 6, going just 1-for-18 since.

The best course of action Cincinnati could take is the most unlikely, and it would require Ke'Bryan Hayes to agree to a minor-league assignment. Hayes' bat has been a black hole in the Reds lineup for weeks now, but he's out of minor-league options and would have to consent to being sent down. Most players won't agree to such an extreme compromise for fear of losing their spot altogether.

Something's got to give, though. When Suárez is deemed ready, at least one player on the Reds roster will need to be sent back to the minors or designated for assignment. Based on his play of late, that player shouldn't be Dunn.

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