3 reasons why the Reds released Chad Pinder

2. Maybe Nick Senzel is closer to making his Reds debut than we think.

This has to be, in some way, related to what we've seen recently from Cincinnati Reds centerfielder Nick Senzel. David Bell continues to maintain that Senzel is one of the best players on the team, and while some throughout Reds Country would disagree, it's the manager's opinion that matters.

Senzel returned to the Reds lineup this past week and has appeared in two Cactus League games after spending some time the previous week on the backfield and getting in work in minor league games.

The Reds plan this season for Senzel is very similar to plan they had laid out for Chad Pinder - super utility player. Bell has spoken recently about the idea of moving Senzel around the diamond and getting him reps, not only in center field, but also at second and third base, as well as the corner outfield.

The Reds have much more roster flexibility with Senzel. While the plan is to place him on the IL prior to the season and send him to Triple-A Louisville on a rehab assignment, perhaps now the team will prefer to option Senzel to the minor leagues and recall him when he's ready to roll.

If Nick Senzel is indeed the player that David Bell would choose to play, both he and Chad Pinder are right-handed batters and play similar positions. Senzel is younger, has minor-league options remaining, and is under team control through 2025.