Nick Senzel is back. Sort of. The Cincinnati Reds outfielder who has been on the injured list for nearly two weeks returned to the field today, but it wasn’t the field at Great American Ballpark. Manager David Bell said that Senzel would begin working out at Prasco Park today during his daily pre-game meeting with the media.
“I did want to mention that Nick will start working out at Prasco today,” said Bell of Senzel. “So we’re hoping to have him back soon. It’s going to take some time for him to get back into playing shape. We don’t have a ton of time left in the season. I know he’s anxious to get back as quick as he can.”
In 14 games played this season, Senzel has hit .244/.327/.489 – good for an OPS of .816 and an OPS+ of 112. In the Reds 21 games without Senzel in center field this season the team has gotten a .134/.213/.149 line from their center field options. To put that into perspective, pitchers hit .128/.160/.162 last season in Major League Baseball.
When the time comes that Nick Senzel is ready to rejoin the big league club and get back into the lineup, he will almost assuredly be an upgrade for the offense given how poorly the production has been at the position when he hasn’t been in there. But as David Bell noted, it is going to take some time for him to get back and ready to play. How long that is, we don’t really know and the Cincinnati Reds manager wasn’t too specific, either, when it comes to that timeline.
Reds activate Brian Goodwin and Archie Bradley
The Cincinnati Reds got some good news just before game time today as their newest additions, outfielder Brian Goodwin and right-handed reliever Archie Bradley arrived at Great American Ballpark and were activated. They will be taking the place of outfielder Mark Payton and right-handed reliever José De León on the roster, both of whom were optioned to the alternate roster at Prasco Park.
Heal well, Lil’ Senz!! We’ve missed you.
Obvious moves for the Reds De Leon/Payton down. Goodwin/Bradley up…
Senzel just has to find a way to stay on the field to help this team. People hate on “post” about him staying on the field. Senzel, just cant stay on the field. Call it “bad luck”. Call it injuries. I think both of those are accurate. I personally try not to call the kid out. But, there comes a time when you just have to realize. No matter the talent, If you cant stay on the field. You cant help this team. Not like he is not trying. It just happens especially at the MLB level. They should have traded him a year ago. He is not the answer for all the issues this team has.
I think this is great news. He can only help a team struggling to get hits and score. Lets hope he returns in couple of days.
Probably the only good move the Reds FO made this offseason was not trading Senzel for Lindor.
If he wants to make big money in the future he needs to start playing more and putting up numbers.