Nick Senzel returns to the Reds roster, Will Benson optioned to Triple-A Louisville Bats

Well, it's official. Nick Senzel is on his way back to the Cincinnati Reds roster. The team announced on Thursday that Senzel was being reinstated from the 10-day Injured List and Will Benson was optioned to Triple-A Louisville.

Senzel didn't appear in many games during training after undergoing surgery on his left foot during the offseason. The former first-round draft pick began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville a little over a week ago.

Reds fans should expect to see Senzel fill multiple roles this season. After spending his first four big league seasons as the team's primary centerfielder, Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell plans to deploy Nick Senzel all over the diamond in 2023.

Reds news: Nick Senzel reinstated from the 10-day IL.

Nick Senzel wasn't the only Cincinnati Reds player to begin the 2023 season on a rehab assignment with the Louisville Bats, but he's the first to make his 2023 season. Lucas Sims, Luke Weaver, Tony Santillan, and Joey Votto have all started the season down I-71.

Senzel played seven games with the Bats, including two starts at third base and two in center field. The 27-year-old also started a pair of games in rather unfamiliar territory - left field. He also was the Bats DH for a game during his rehab stint.

Unfortunately for Will Benson, he's the odd-man out at the moment. Of course, a strikeout-rate above 50-percent will get you sent down rather quickly. Benson was acquired during the offseason from the Cleveland Guardians and was thought to be a key piece of the outfield in 2023.

There's still plenty of time for Benson to turn things around, but the Reds cannot afford to let him do that in the major leagues. Perhaps a tune down in the Derby City will be exactly what Benson needs.