MLB.com reports that Reds OF Jay Bruce injured his right wrist

Bruce piling on the strikeouts

Reds first baseman Jay Bruce entered Monday's series opener against the Braves having gone just 1 for 15 (.067) in his last five games with 11 strikeouts. He has already struck out 38 times in 145 at-bats this season but Bruce believes he will be able to turn things around. "I think as far as my routine and approach, it's been the exact same," Bruce told MLB.com. "That's why I'm not too worried about it. It's a little combination of not getting a lot to hit and some tough pitches, and I chased a few pitches where I shouldn't have."

Analysis: Bruce has posted over 100 strikeouts in three of his first four seasons in the majors, including whiffing a career-high 158 times a year ago. Most power hitters usually strike out at a high rate but Bruce has not been helping out many owners of late. He has gone just 6 for 33 (.182) in his last 10 games, dropping his overall average from .306 to .276. The 25-year-old has been streaky in the past so keep an eye on his progress going forward. Still, Bruce's power potential makes him too valuable to sit in the majority of Fantasy formats.

Power outage hits Bruce

Cincinnati outfielder Jay Bruce went 1 for 4 with a run scored during the Reds' 5-2 win over the Yankees in an interleague contest on Sunday. Bruce halted a four-game hitless streak with an infield single in the ninth inning, but his batting average continued to tumble and now stands at .276 for the season. He also whiffed twice, marking the fourth straight outing Bruce has recorded multiple strikeouts (10 total in 15 at-bats).

Analysis: Bruce certainly has a habit of testing Fantasy owners' patience. The 25-year-old produced an inspiring first five weeks of the season when he clubbed 10 home runs and a quality .306 batting average. But Bruce is in the midst of another prolonged power slump and has not homered since May 8 -- a span of 11 games. He did manage 14 games without a homer before going deep in four straight contests at the end of April so he has the ability to heat up quickly. Fantasy owners should keep him active in most formats for Week 8 (May 21-27) as he plays seven games at home, the site of seven of his homers this year.

Joe Lemire: Jay Bruce aims to shed streaky past, find consistency for Reds

Since his 2008 debut, Jay Bruce has been wildly inconsistent, alternating between thrilling hot streaks and extended slumps. He has a new plan to sustain success, writes Joe Lemire.