Cincinnati Reds: Nick Senzel takes his rookie tour to Philadelphia

CINCINNATI, OH - MAY 27: Nick Senzel #15 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates at second base after hitting a RBI double in the fifth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on May 27, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh defeated Cincinnati 8-5. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - MAY 27: Nick Senzel #15 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates at second base after hitting a RBI double in the fifth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on May 27, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh defeated Cincinnati 8-5. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 24: Nick Senzel #15 of the Cincinnati Redsbats against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 24, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 24: Nick Senzel #15 of the Cincinnati Redsbats against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 24, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Reds’ rookie outfielder has been worth the wait

Nick Senzel faced almost unrealistic expectations upon his call-up to the Cincinnati Reds from Triple-A Louisville. It’s safe to say, that up to this point, Senzel has not disappointed. If the last two weeks are any indication, the sky is the limit for the 23-year-old center fielder.

In his last 11 games, Nick Senzel has slashed .300/.333/.480 with a homer, 6 doubles and 9 runs scored. Senzel has been at his best when it’s most important. The rookie is hitting .368 and owns a 1.013 OPS with runners in scoring position. Not bad, young man.

Can we give backup catcher Curt Casali some love? In only 98 at-bats this season, Casali has hit 2 home runs and collected 16 RBIs while hitting .292 with a .347 OBP. While Casali is known more for his offense it’s time to recognize his work behind the plate as well.

Casali has gunned down 5-of-15 would be base stealers. It may not sound all that impressive, but his 33% caught stealing is above the 29% league average. The Reds starting catcher Tucker Barnhart is hitting .201 and has only been successful 26% of the time against base stealers.

How much longer are we going to play along with this charade that Tucker Barnhart should be receiving the majority of starts behind the plate? Curt Casali has outplayed the former Gold Glover in almost every way this season.

Prediction

I’m sure former Red Jay Bruce would like nothing more than to burn his old team. He’s made quite an impression with his new team by launching 3 long balls this week. The Phillies are great at home and the Reds have limped to a 13-18 record away from the Queen City. It won’t be easy, but look for Sonny Gray to out duel Aaron Nola on Sunday and clinch a series victory for the good guys.

Schedule