Nick Senzel is evolving into the player the Reds need him to be

There is a lot of pressure that comes with being the No. 2 overall pick in the MLB Draft. Nick Senzel has felt that pressure since Day 1 with the Cincinnati Reds organization.

On Wednesday, in what he called the biggest moment of his professional career, Senzel stepped up big-time. The former first-round pick laced a screaming fly ball into the first row of seats in left field for his first home run of the season.

After a long drought, Senzel's walk-off homer propelled the Reds to a series sweep of the AL West-leading Texas Rangers. Is this a preview of things to come for Senzel?

Nick Senzel is evolving into the player the Reds need him to be.

Nick Senzel wasn't even in the original starting lineup that Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell filled out. But after Wil Myers was scratched, Spencer Steer was moved from third base to first and Senzel took over at the hot corner.

Senzel went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, two RBIs, and a stolen base. For the series, Senzel was 5-for-11, reached base safely in every game, and recorded five RBIs while only striking out twice. This is the version of Nick Senzel the fanbase has been hungry to see.

Perhaps the Reds and Senzel have finally found a role that works for him. Senzel may well be past the point where he is who the Reds hoped he would be. But, if the team and the fans can accept who Senzel is right now, there's still a lot to like.

Though he homered today, it seems doubtful that Senzel is ever going to hit much beyond 10 home runs in a season. But he can hit for average, get no base use his speed, and play multiple positions, that has the makings of a solid big league career.

Obviously the position change and injuries have played a role in Nick Senzel's lack of success to this point. But if there's one player on this year's Cincinnati Reds squad that the entire fanbase could rally around, it's Senzel.