'Not having a hit-off': Final roster call looms for Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona

PEORIA, Arizona – With news Saturday that the Cincinnati Reds’ Mr. Versatile, Spencer Steer, will open on the injured list because of his shoulder issues, the battle for the final two roster spots on the hitting side come down to outfielders Stuart Fairchild (who’s out of options), Blake Dunn and Jacob Hurtubise — all of whom were in Saturday’s Cactus League lineup fighting it out.

Sort of.

“Actually, we told them that they’re not having a hit-off,” manager Terry Francona said after Saturday’s 1-0 spring loss to the San Diego Padres. “We know we need to make a decision.”

Blake Dunn (pictured), Stuart Fairchild and Jacob Hurtubise are expected to learn Sunday which two of them will make the Reds Opening Day roster as the final position players.

That decision is expected to come Sunday before the Reds break camp to head north for Thursday’s opener against the San Francisco Giants.

Meanwhile, a showcase – if not hit-off – for the last two spots was on display as Hurtubise, Dunn and Fairchild started, left to right, across the outfield.

Dunn singled twice, including a nice bunt single to load the bases in the seventh, but he also failed to locate a high fly ball to center off the bat of Martin Maldonado in the sixth, turning it into a leadoff double.

Hurtubise singled in three at-bats with competitive at-bats against near-perfect right-hander Dylan Cease in the two other at-bats. Fairchild struck out three times against Cease (twice) and right-hander Juan Nunez.

“I think Blake Dunn has done a good job for a young kid of playing the game, seeing the field,” Francona said after the game. “I know he lost the one in the sun. That’s going to happen out here (in Arizona). But he moved around (well) the other day, and he got a bunt down, did some real good things.

“And Hurtubise gives you everything he can,” Francona added. “Fairchild, we’ve got him here to hit lefties, and you can’t always match that up in spring training.”

For what it’s worth, their spring hitting stats through Saturday:

Fairchild: 5-for-37 (.135) with four walks, two doubles, 13 strikeouts, .256 on-base percentage, and two steals on two attempts.
Dunn: 16-for-46 (.348) with four walks, 11 strikeouts, six extra-base hits, .412 OBP and .587 slugging percentage.
Hurtubise: 11-for-36 (.306) with nine walks, seven strikeouts, three doubles, two triples, five steals in six tries, .468 OPB and .500 slugging percentage.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Check out 3-man showcase Saturday for Cincinnati Reds last roster spots

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