Rather than pout, Reds utility player Nick Senzel used his demotion for motivation

Nick Senzel's 2023 season has been a rollercoaster ride to say the least. Lately, however, Senzel has been one of the most consistent bats in the Cincinnati Reds lineup.

Senzel began the year on the IL after undergoing surgery during the offseason. It wasn't long before Senzel was back in the everyday lineup and, in a new role (utility player), actually shined.

But as the Reds roster became more and more crowded with gobs of young talent, Senzel eventually saw himself on the outside looking in. The former first-round pick was optioned to Triple-A last month for the first time in his career.

Nick Senzel has overcome adversity once again and shined since returning to the Reds lineup.

It seems as though Nick Senzel's entire Cincinnati Reds career will be defined by the adversities and struggles he's faced since been drafted with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft.

Since that time, Senzel has endured countless injuries in both the minor and major leagues, been shifted all over the infield and outfield, was the subject of trade talks, and was even optioned to the minor leagues earlier this season.

Quite frankly, once the Reds made the decision to option Senzel to Triple-A Louisville back on August 11th, it looked like the beginning of the end of his career in the Queen City. Senzel took the maximum alloted time before reporting to the Louisville Bats and his playing time once he arrived was sporadic.

But, after about two weeks in the minors, the Reds were in need of Senzel's services once again. Since his return to the lineup, Senzel has been one of manager David Bell's best performers.

Nick Senzel rejoined the ball club on August 24th and has been crushing the baseball. Senzel has 10 hits since his return, three of which have gone for extra bases. The versatile fielder is hitting .357/.379/.607, and according to FanGraphs, has a wRC+ of 160 since returning late last month.

After being optioned to Triple-A in mid-August, it looked as though Senzel's time in Cincinnati was over. But maybe, just maybe, the 28-year-old still has a future in a Reds uniform.