Reds: 3 players with the most to lose down the stretch of the 2022 season

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The Cincinnati Reds have 23 games remaining in the 2022 season, including today's doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It may not seem like a lot, but to several players within the organization, the next three-plus weeks could mean the difference between having a spot on the roster or not.

Cincinnati has a lot of decisions to make this offseason. Up-and-coming prospects like Noelvi Marte, Elly De La Cruz, and Levi Stoudt will need to be added to the 40-man roster in order to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft.

But it's those players, currently on the Reds roster, who are walking that fine line between being part of the offseason and being non-tendered that will need a special performance over the next weeks in order to stick around. Which three Reds have the most to lose in the next few weeks?

1. Reds RHP Justin Dunn has the most to lose down the stretch.

Justin Dunn's last outing was not good at all, If that's the type of performance we see from the right-hander down the stretch, it's a virtual guarantee that Dunn will begin next season in the bullpen. Over the final few starts that he has in 2022, Dunn has the chance to solidify his standing or as a starter, or find himself headed to the bullpen in 2023.

Dunn was part of the trade with the Seattle Mariners this past spring that sent Eugenio Suarez and Jesse Winker to the Pacific Northwest. Dunn had been out of action for more than a year with a shoulder injury and rejoined the Reds back in August.

Dunn's performances have been inconsistent to say the least. The former first-round pick has shown promise in one start, only to turn around an lay an egg the following time his number is called. With so many young pitching prospects ready to ascend to the big leagues, Dunn needs to have have a handful of quality starts over the final three weeks of the season or he'll be headed to the pen.

2. Reds CF Nick Senzel has the most to lose down the stretch.

The Cincinnati Reds are not ready to give up on Nick Senzel. And with so few outfield prospects in the upper-levels of Cincinnati farm system, it's not like the organization has a promising young prospect ready to push the former first-round pick out of center field. But TJ Friedl sure could.

Friedl has been playing out of his mind recently, and it's a good bet that the University of Nevada product will find even more playing time in 2023. That increased playing time is likely to come at the expense of Senzel.

Will David Bell employ a lefty/ right platoon in center field of Friedl and Senzel in 2023? It's a very real possibility. There's also been whispers of Senzel becoming a super utility player and playing all over the diamond next season. Senzel is a former infielder, so it's not out of the question to think that the 27-year-old could start one game at third base and then another in center field.

But it's become apparent that Nick Senzel's time at the Cincinnati Reds everyday centerfielder may be coming to a close. Senzel has been healthier this season than in years passed, but has still missed significant time due to illness. A strong finish to the 2022 season could be necessary if Senzel wants to be part of the Reds lineup night in and night out in 2023.

3. Reds 2B Matt Reynolds has the most to lose down the stretch.

Matt Reynolds is in a precarious spot as the 2022 season comes to a close. The veteran infielder was acquired by the Cincinnati Reds after being claimed off waivers in April. Reynolds quickly became a fixture in the Reds lineup, finding time at every infield spot this season.

The problem for Reynolds is that he now occupies a very redundant position. The 31-year-old is in the same boat as Alejo Lopez and Spencer Steer, both of whom are considerably younger than the former New York Mets infielder.

Reynolds is under team control for several more seasons, and the team obviously valued his skillset and leadership more than Albert Almora Jr. who was just designated for assignment in order to activate Reynolds from the injured list.

But will Reynolds versatility and clubhouse presence be enough for him to stick around? A strong showing during the final few weeks of the 2022 season would go a long toward securing the veteran a spot on the Cincinnati Reds offseason roster.

It may come down to playing time. Will David Bell offer enough opportunities for Reynolds to prove his worth, or will those at-bats go to the younger players like Lopez, Steer, and Stuart Fairchild. If Reynolds wants to stay in the Queen City, he'll need to make the most of every chance he gets down the stretch.

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3 Reds players with the most to lose down the stretch of the 2022 season

1. Reds RHP Justin Dunn has the most to lose down the stretch.

2. Reds CF Nick Senzel has the most to lose down the stretch.

3. Reds 2B Matt Reynolds has the most to lose down the stretch.

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