5:22PM: Senzel’s sprain doesn’t seem to be particularly serious, as Reds manager David Bell told reporters (including C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic) that he believes Senzel will be ready to go after the All-Star break. This sprain is in a different area than the ankle injury that previously took Senzel out of action in Spring Training, Bell noted.
3:13PM: Reds outfielder Nick Senzel exited Sunday’s game prematurely after suffering a right ankle sprain, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The rookie appeared to snag a cleat on the center field fence while he was going after a Carlos Santana fly ball in the first inning. He played out the rest of the first inning and went on to take an at-bat in the bottom of the inning, but did not take the field for the second inning.
The severity of the sprain is not yet clear—ankle sprains can vary in seriousness and recovery timetable, though it’s notable that the injury wasn’t reported as a high ankle sprain, which tend to be more worrisome. At any rate, the timing of the injury is probably a best-case scenario, with the All-Star break affording Senzel and the Reds the next handful of days off.
Senzel, just 24 years old, has emerged as a key cog in the Reds’ lineup after debuting in May. In addition to slotting into the all-important leadoff spot and providing passable offensive output, Senzel has played exclusively in center field, a premium defensive position, in the Majors.
In Sunday’s game, Senzel was replaced in center field by Jesse Winker, who started the game in left field. Moving forward, the Reds should have several options to fill in for Senzel, should he require an IL stint. Phil Ervin has excelled as a reserve and could get starts in left field with Winker moving to center. Otherwise, Derek Dietrich, Jose Peraza, and Josh Vanmeter all have experience in the outfield. Scott Schebler, whom Senzel replaced in center following the former’s abysmal April showing, remains in the minors and is an option in center field.
So much talent yet so many injuries at such a young age. Hoping he ends up having a long great career, kid has amazing talent and could be a huge part of the reds becoming a playoff team again but without him succeeding I just don’t see them doing that.
Senzel needs to be an infielder! His injury rate will be higher in the outfield, especially CF. He is a good athlete but is out of position. Sign Jose Iglesias. Move Senzel to 2B. Keep Castillo and sign Gray. Everyone else is fair game for a trade that makes us better in the future.
Gray already signed a extension when he was traded
Senzel is too good of player to put at risk in the outfield, especially in center. I get that Gennett is the hometown kid and that he had a pretty good 2018 season, but I really doubt he’s capable of sustaining that kind of performance; meaning it’s time to move on.
However, without Senzel in the OF the Reds will need to find, not only a CF stopgap, but the finishing touch to their promising future OF that already includes Trammell and Winker.
So perhaps it’s time to move on from Raisel Iglesias as well so that the Reds can get that “controllable hitter” they’ve been looking for.
I agree with your comment 110%!
Trade R. Iglesias to the Braves for Duvall and a prospect.
Iggy is worth alot more than an inconsistent Duvall and a prospect…Duvall likely peaked as a Red..