Reds news: Nick Senzel returns for today’s doubleheader

Nick Senzel returns to the Reds lineup.

Not only is Nick Senzel back for today’s doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the Cincinnati Reds centerfielder is in the starting lineup. This will hopefully be a huge boost to a team that has been lacking offensively for the past few weeks. Senzel has been on the injured list since August 14th.

Senzel will not bat leadoff, as that duty falls to fellow outfielder Shogo Akiyama. But, last year’s rookie will occupy the No. 7 spot in the batting order, right behind today’s right fielder for Game 1, Aristides Aquino. Don’t worry Reds fans, Nick Castellanos is in the starting lineup as well, but he’ll be the team’s designated hitter.

In what was already an odd season, Nick Senzel has had his fair share of ups and downs. After not making the Opening Day lineup last season, Senzel made his major league debut in early-May. During his rookie campaign, Senzel hit well early, but an adjustment to his swing saw a sharp decline in his batting average.

To make matters worse, Senzel, who’s already gaining a reputation for being somewhat injury prone, missed the final month of the 2019 season and part of spring training due to shoulder surgery. Senzel also missed a few game earlier this season after self-reporting symptoms of COVID-19.

Nick Senzel is a valuable part of this team, and if the Cincinnati Reds have any hope\ of making a push to play October baseball, having him on the field is paramount. The team has already been without Jesse Winker for the past few games following tightness in the outfielder’s back.

The Reds enter a “must-win” series with the Pirates tonight and will send Trevor Bauer to the hill for Game 1. He’ll be followed by Anthony DeSclafani in Game 2. It’ll be interesting to see if Senzel is in the starting lineup for both contests. Perhaps David Bell will slowly bring Senzel back, inserting him as the team’s DH in Game 2.

Before landing on the IL, Senzel was slashing .244/.327/.489 with two home runs and eight RBIs in just 45 at-bats. Senzel’s 109 OPS+ is third-best among Cincinnati starters, trailing only Winker and Castellanos.