3 center field replacements if Nick Senzel is not ready for Reds Opening Day

After suffering a broken toe near the end of the 2022 season, it's questionable as to whether or not Nick Senzel will be part of the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day lineup.

According to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Reds manager David Bell said that Senzel still isn't running 100% yet. Cincinnati's skipper believes it'll be a close call in terms of Senzel's availablity for Opening Day on March 30th against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Unfortunately, this is nothing new for Senzel. His injury-riddled past has seen the former first-round pick end three of his first four seasons on the IL. But, if Senzel is unable to go on Opening Day, who will start in the Reds outfield?

1. Stuart Fairchild could replace Nick Senzel in the Reds Opening Day lineup.

If the Pittsburgh Pirates send veteran left-hander Rich Hill to the mound on Opening Day, David Bell will probably field a very right-handed heavy lineup. If Nick Senzel begins the 2023 season, one option to replace him in center field would be Stuart Fairchild.

Fairchild demonstrated several nice attributes during his end-of-the-season audition that saw him maintain a spot on the Reds 40-man roster over the offseason. Fairchild had been part of Cincinnati's organization previously, but was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2020.

Fairchild has the speed to play up the middle and enough arm strength to field the position. When it comes to the hitting portion of his game, that's where fans saw a lot to like from Fairchild in 2022. The former second-round pick slashed .279/.374/.523 in 38 games with the Reds last season.

There are a lot of outfielders in camp and they're all battling for the same spot. Fairchild's speed and versatility help to set him apart, but he'll need a strong showing in Cactus League play in order to break camp with the big league squad.