Reds news: Nick Senzel unlikely to return until August

The hits just keep on coming for the Cincinnati Reds former first-round pick Nick Senzel. The 25-year-old will likely be out of action until August after the team moved Senzel from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL.

This isn’t surprising, both in that Senzel is on the injured list and that the team moved him the 60-day IL. After undergoing knee surgery a couple of weeks ago, Senzel was likely to miss at least 4-6 weeks. Another couple weeks to recuperate may actually benefit the Reds outfielder.

The Reds placed Nick Senzel on the 60-day IL.

By placing Nick Senzel on the 60-day IL, the Cincinnati Reds opened up a roster spot for fellow outfielder Aristides Aquino, who himself just returned from a stint on the IL after breaking the hamate bone in his hand. Mark Payton was optioned to Triple-A Louisville in order to make room on the 26-man roster for Aquino.

This is yet another setback for Senzel who’s suffered a rash of injuries since becoming a professional ball player. A bout with vertigo, an injury to his finger, and a sprained ankle haunted him during his time in the minor leagues.

Since becoming a major leaguer, Senzel suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery in 2019, missed most of 2020 with an illness, and is now laid up with a knee injury. When he’s on the field, Nick Senzel is a valuable part of the Reds team; but the problem is, he can’t stay healthy.

The Reds do not need to trade or release Nick Senzel.

For those fans who’ve been clamoring for the Cincinnati Reds to trade Nick Senzel or simply cut him loose, just stop it. For one, his trade value is at rock bottom. What franchise is going to surrender anything of value for a player who hasn’t shown that he can stay healthy.

And let’s not forget that Senzel is just 25 years old. Senzel doesn’t even become arbitration eligible until after next season, at which point, the Reds should have a firm understanding of what they have in the former first-round pick.

Furthermore, it’s not as if the Reds don’t have a backup plan in the event that Senzel isn’t healthy. Cincinnati has the plethora of outfielders including Tyler Naquin, Aristides Aquino, and Shogo Akiyama; all of whom can play center field. Senzel’s other position, second base, is being held down by Jonathan India. Mike Moustakas can also play the keystone.

As a fan, it’s upsetting to see one of the better players on your favorite team unable to stay on the field. Your heart goes out to Senzel, who plays hard day-in and day-out and just can’t seem to stay healthy. By placing him on the 60-day IL, Nick Senzel won’t be eligible to return to the field until after the All-Star break. But, a likely rehab assignment will likely push his return until August.