Reds news: Tyler Naquin gets start with Nick Senzel on the mend

The Cincinnati Reds will go into Game 2 of the 2021 season without Nick Senzel in the starting lineup. Senzel left Thursday’s opener after landing awkwardly while making a spectacular catch in center field. Former Cleveland Indians outfielder Tyler Naquin will take his place.

Senzel’s absence shouldn’t be too surprising. The former No. 2 overall pick was said to have left Thursday’s game with a right shoulder injury. David Bell said in his postgame press conference that he was hopeful to have Senzel back in the lineup this weekend. Provided the injury is nothing serious, perhaps we’ll see Nick Senzel back in the lineup for Sunday’s series finale.

Reds outfielder Tyler Naquin starts in place of Nick Senzel.

Tyler Naquin will draw the start in center field, a position he’s quite familiar with. During his six seasons with the Indians, Naquin started over 100 games in center field. Naquin has a .996 fielding percentage while playing the position, but -10 Rtot, a statistic that measures the number of runs above or below average the player is worth based on the number of plays made.

Naquin will occupy the No. 7 spot in the batting order, hitting just below Reds rookie second baseman Jonathan India and ahead of catcher Tucker Barnhart. With right-handed pitcher Adam Wainwright on the bump for St. Louis, it’s not surprising that Bell chose the left-handed hitting Naquin over Aristides Aquino. Though I wouldn’t rule out an appraencer by The Punisher in today’s game.

Tyler Naquin brings depth to the Reds outfield.

It was no surprise that Tyler Naquin made the Opening Day roster. The injury to Shogo Akiyama that kept last year’s free agent signing off the 26-man roster opened the door for Naquin, who was non-roster invitee to spring training.

Naquin, a six-year veteran, brings a capable glove, and a career .323 on-bas percentage. Naquin showed an increase in power during the 2019 season, slugging .467 while racking up 10 home runs, 19 doubles, and 34 RBIs. While not necessarily suited to the team’s everyday centerfielder, Naquin’s presence in the lineup will not be a hindrance.

If Nick Senzel’s injury requires a trip to the IL, look for the Cincinnati Reds to promote Mark Payton back up the big leagues. Payton was included among the group of players slated to begin the season at the Reds’ alternate training site in Louisville.