2 Reds players who could make surprise return when rosters expand in September and 1 who won't

Reds infielder Nick Senzel will not make a surprise return in September.

While there is definitely some truth to the fact that Nick Senzel has struggled against right-handed pitching, it just feels like there's more at play here. Instead of optioning T.J. Hopkins back to the minors in order to select the contract of Henry Ramos, the Reds choose to option Senzel.

Senzel's role was reduced to little more than platoon bat who was only in the lineup against left-handed pitchers. Senzel has an OPS over .900 against southpaws, but was hitting just .175/.251/.281 against right-handed pitchers.

Senzel has fallen from grace. Once a highly-regarded prospect within the organization, the 27-year-old is likely to be traded or released during the offseason, despite the fact that Senzel is under team control through the 2025 season.

When it comes to outfield depth, the Reds have the aforementioned Hopkins and Ramos, along with TJ Friedl, Will Benson, and Stuart Fairchild. Jake Fraley is hopeful to return in a few weeks, and Spencer Steer has seen time in the outfield as well.

On the infield dirt, even with Jonathan India possibly out for the remainder of the season, the Reds have Steer, Joey Votto, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Kevin Newman. It seems a bit harsh to say this, but I don't think Senzel can crack this lineup at the moment.

If an injury or two pops up, perhaps the Cincinanti Reds recall Nick Senzel in September. But Matt Reynolds, Noelvi Marte, or even Alejo Lopez might be better options at this point in the season. Fans may have seen the last of Senzel in a Reds uniform.