2 players who could be removed from the Reds roster when Nick Senzel returns and 1 who won't be

It's becoming more and more likely that Nick Senzel's return to the Cincinnati Reds lineup is just days away. The centerfielder began a rehab assignment with the Louisville Bats back on April 4th.

Senzel has now played in 7 games at Triple-A and is hitting .240/.406/.440 with a pair doubles, a home run, and six walks. The former first-round pick has also played multiple positions with his most recent start coming in left field. Senzel has also spent time in center field and at third base.

After an off-day on Monday, Senzel has been the lineup back-to-back days for the Bats and is primed to return to the Reds lineup. Which Reds players could be on the chopping block, and who's position is assured when Senzel is back in the lineup?

Will Benson could be optioned once Nick Senzel returns to the Reds lineup.

The most likely player to be sent packing when Nick Senzel returns from the IL is Will Benson. The outfielder has shown to be a great athlete, but his skills at the plate are lacking. Benson is 1-for-20 to begin the 2023 season.

Benson was an offseason acquisition courtesy of the Cleveland Guardians. Cincinnati sent outfield prospect Justin Boyd and pitching prospect Steve Hajjar to The Forest City in exchange for the 6-foot-5 outfielder.

Benson has talent; there's no denying that. But the 24-year-old has struggled with the bat and is routinely at the bottom of David Bell's lineup card. Benson's speed is one of his best tools, but it does little good if he can't reach base consistently.

Will Benson has 12 strikeouts and just one walk. That's not going to cut it, and perhaps a trip to the minors is on the docket. Though Benson is a left-handed batter and Nick Senzel is a right-handed hitter, the Cincinnati Reds still have enough left-handed bats on the roster.

Don't look for Stuart Fairchild to be optioned once Nick Senzel returns to the Reds lineup.

This may be going out on a limb, but let's hope the Cincinnati Reds front office and coaching staff are smart enough not to option Stuart Fairchild down to Triple-A once Nick Senzel is ready to return from his rehab assignment.

Fairchild was the last addition to the Reds Opening Day lineup, so the idea is surely on the table. But no player on the Reds roster this season has done more with less playing time than the former second-round draft pick.

Fairchild's role to begin the season has been that of bench bat. The right-handed hitting outfielder will get the occasional start when a left-handed pitcher draws the start for the opposition. But through 11 games, Fairchild has had just 12 at-bats.

However, the 27-year-old has made the most of his opportunities, Through the last seven games, Fairchild is slashing .365/.545/1.000 with three hits, a triple, a home run, and three walks. Perhaps more impressive is just one strikeout.

Stuart Fairchild is likely to get used to scenery up and down I-71, as he'll be shuttled between Louisville and Cincinnati often this season. But the outfielder has staying power if he's just given the opportunity. Let's hope the Cincinnati Reds see things this way as well.