Nick Senzel's injury update is good news for these 2 Reds players

Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell gave a grim injury update on centerfielder Nick Senzel's chances of making it back on the field in time for Opening Day.

According to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, it's looking less and less likely that the former first-round pick will be ready when the Pittsburgh Pirates come to town on March 30th.

That will impact how the Cincinnati Reds lineup on Opening Day. The team had been hopeful that Senzel would be ready to start the season, but that now seem unlikely. However, Senzel's absence will certainly help two players currently on the fringe of making the cut.

Nick Senzel's absence is good news for Chad Pinder and Will Benson.

Nick Senzel's role heading into spring training had been undefined, mostly because his health was questionable. However, there seems to be a growing sense that Senzel, when healthy, will be moved around the diamond rather than just occupying center field.

Senzel's absence will be good news for Chad Pinder. The former Oakland Athletics' utility player had played multiple positions this spring, and with Senzel now likely to open the year on the IL, Pinder will fill that super utility role.

Will Benson will also secure more playing time with Senzel unlikely to start the season on the active roster. The Reds acquired Benson from the Cleveland Guardians this past offseason, and the left-handed slugger has shown power and speed on the base paths.

If Joey Votto returns to the Cincinnati Reds lineup, Wil Myers will become the team's everyday right fielder. The trio of Benson, TJ Friedl, and Jake Fraley would be jockeying for playing time in the other two outfield spots.

It's a shame that it seems as though Nick Senzel can never avoid injury. The former No. 2 overall pick has been sidelined since suffering a broken toe near the end of last season.