Reds: 3 players who could lose their roster spot when Nick Senzel returns

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 10: Nick Senzel #15 of the Cincinnati Reds gets ready in the batters box. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 10: Nick Senzel #15 of the Cincinnati Reds gets ready in the batters box. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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Tyler Naquin #12 of the Cincinnati Reds walks back to the dugout.
CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 05: Tyler Naquin #12 of the Cincinnati Reds walks back to the dugout. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

1. Tyler Naquin, Reds outfielder

While it seems as though Tyler Naquin has been in the major leagues forever, believe it or not, the left-handed slugging outfielder actually has two minor league options remaining. Optioning Naquin to Triple-A would be the least disruptive decision as it relates to the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster.

It’s not as if Naquin has experienced the same level of success that the former Cleveland Indians’ outfielder did earlier this season. After Senzel was shelved for a short stint following a shoulder injury on Opening Day, the Reds inserted Naquin into the starting lineup and the left-handed hitting slugger delivered.

However, of late, Naquin has failed to produce at that same dominant level. Since June 1st, Naquin has an OPS of just .652. To put it in perspective, over that same timeframe, Eugenio Suarez has an OPS of .648. On the season, the 30-year-old has played in 100 games with 82 starts. But, Naquin is hitting just .241/.310/.417 with an OPS+ of 84.

It stands to reason that Naquin would be optioned to Triple-A and then return to the team when the rosters expand in September. It just so happens that Nick Senzel and Tyler Naquin play the same position. David Bell could still deploy Senzel as an infielder and start Aristides Aquino or Shogo Akiyama in center field as well.

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