Cincinnati Reds: 3 takeaways from the 30 inning scoreless streak

1. The Reds need Scooter Gennett and Nick Senzel

Once they’re on the mend, I can assure you that the Cincinnati Reds will get Scooter Gennett and Nick Senzel into the starting lineup as soon as possible. Gennett has a strained groin and is expected to be out until at least the middle of May, while Senzel is rehabbing an ankle sprain and could be playing in Triple-A Louisville in a couple of weeks.

These two bats are a big part of this Reds’ lineup and missing them has taken a huge chunk out of the Reds’ offensive production. Scooter made it to his first All-Star Game last season and was in the hunt for the NL batting title until the final weeks of the season. Senzel is the Reds’ No. 1 prospect and was in a battle with Scott Schebler for the starting job in center field.

Yes, the same Scott Schebler who’s hitting .080 out of the gate with 2 hits in 25 at-bats. Having sent down Senzel and Phillip Ervin, the Reds have no real option to replace Schebler in center field while he’s struggling to get on base.

Schebler had a great spring, and while some will argue that Senzel should’ve made the Opening Day roster, Scott Schebler played well enough during Spring Training to earn the starting spot. However, he’s done little to keep it and once healthy, Senzel will almost assuredly be given every opportunity to succeed as the every day center fielder.

Scooter’s spot in the starting lineup is a given once he returns from injury. However, José Iglesias has played well in his absence. Iglesias leads the team in hitting and has 3 doubles in 17 at-bats so far this season.