Cincinnati Reds: 3 lineup shuffling scenarios to replace injured Joey Votto

2. The Reds could shuffle the lineup and move Nick Senzel to third base.

While inserting Kyle Farmer and Alex Blandino represents a relatively conservative approach to filling in for Joey Votto, shuffling the infield in a way that would move centerfielder Nick Senzel to the infield dirt seems like the better option offensively, especially if Shogo Akiyama returns to the lineup very soon.

One of the interesting developments to watch in the coming days is the return of Akiyama. The Japanese outfielder has been rehabbing in Triple-A Louisville and it’s only a matter of time before he rejoins the big league squad.

In an effort to get the Reds’ best bats in the lineup, David Bell could role with an outfield of Akiyama (CF), Nick Castellanos (RF), and Jesse Winker (LF), while Senzel (3B), Eugenio Suarez (SS), Jonathan India (2B), and Mike Moustakas (1B) patrol the infield.

This would give Bell three left-handed and four right-handed bats in their everyday lineup with the ability to platoon Tucker Barnhart and Tyler Stephenson at catcher based on the pitching matchups. It also gives Bell the ability to put either Senzel or Akiyama atop the batting order with the notion of getting players on base ahead of the team’s best hitter – Jesse Winker.

Nick Senzel has not started a game at third base in his major league career, but the 26-year-old has two infield starts this season and 195 career starts at third base while playing in the minor leagues. This would be the best way for the Cincinnati Reds to replace Joey Votto while the former MVP recovers from his injury.