Nick Senzel, not Spencer Steer, could replace injured Reds infielder Jonathan India at second base

Cincinnati Reds infielder Nick Senzel has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? That may very well be where Reds manager David Bell finds himself if Jonathan India is forced to miss much time. Cincinnati's second baseman exited Wednesday night's game in Philadelphia with leg soreness.

India was hit-by-pitch in his leg during the Field of Dreams Game a couple of weeks ago. Fans will probably remember that India exited that game as well and was eventually airlifted to a local hospital and needed to drive back to Cincinnati the following day.

Unfortunately, India is still feeling the effects of that plunking, and after speaking with the athletic trainers, India was lifted in favor of TJ Friedl who pinch hit for the reigning Rookie of the Year in the top of the seventh inning.

Look for Nick Senzel, not Spencer Steer to play 2B for the Reds.

If Jonathan India is placed on the Injured List, the Cincinnati faithful shouldn't get their hopes up to see Spencer Steer make his major league debut. While it's certainly plausible, it's more likely that the Cincinnati Reds will turn to centerfielder Nick Senzel.

Senzel has played the infield before, in fact, that's all the 27-year-old had ever known before the Reds transformed him into their starting centerfielder during his rookie year in 2019. Senzel has seen a smattering of time at second and third base in the big leagues since, but India's absence may require Senzel to move from the outfield grass to the infield dirt.

The Reds gave Senzel reps on the infield during warmups earlier this week, leading some to believe that the former first-round pick may be taking on a different role as the Reds rebuild enters the offseason. It's quite possible that Senzel could serve as Cincinnati's super utility player heading into September and perhaps even 2023.

The possibility exists for Spencer Steer to be elevated to the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster; he's certainly done everything in his power to warrant a call-up as the 24-year-old is hitting .310/.402/.507 in 18 games at Triple-A Louisville. But this might be the easiest way for Cincinnati to juggle their current roster if Jonathan India's absence is only temporary.