In the first 17 games of the 1890 season, Dunlap's batting average fell to .172, and as a result he was released by the Alleghenys on May 15. Aside from his batting average, disagreements with Pittsburgh's manager, Guy Hecker, reportedly contributed to the decision. The "Pittsburgh Dispatch" quoted manager Hecker as saying, "Dunlap is certainly the worst man to get along with that I ever met. He has had everybody in hot water during our entire western trip." Others speculated that Dunlap's release was motivated by his $3,500 salary and the fact that Pittsburgh's backup second baseman, Henry Youngman, had signed for a salary of only $1,050.