Adam Dunn hit two home runs in the Nationals 7-2 win over the Diamondbacks Wednesday night to take the NL lead in the category with 28 on the season. Dunn’s stats have changed a bit this season. His batting average is up a bit, but his OBP is down about 30 points. He walking a lot less. His power, however, is up about 50 points. He still striking out a lot, but hitting more doubles. If almost as if pitchers are challenging him more, willing to take a few more extra base hits to gain more outs. The two should balance, but the greater number of outs contracts the offensive context for the Nationals.

Part of it, too, is that Nationals number five hitters are doing well, making pitchers less likely to pitch around Dunn. If protection increases hits and extra base hits, but lowers OBP, is it really protection?