Reds’ Senzel likely to start season on injured list
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Nick Senzel, who is recovering from offseason toe surgery, isn't expected to play in spring training games this week, and that all but rules him out for the opening day roster.
“He's made tons of progress to get to where he is today,” Reds manager David Bell said. “He just still hasn't cleared all the hurdles at 100%. It feels a little rushed to get him into a game this week. Really, the only reason to do that would be to have him ready for opening day. Not ... his best interest to do that.”
Assuming Senzel begins the season on the injured list, Will Benson and TJ Friedl are the top candidates to start in center field. Henry Ramos, a nonroster invitee who is playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, could be another option.
Senzel played in simulated minor league games Friday and Saturday where he hit, but he did not run or play defense. He participated in a live batting practice session Monday.
“I think my workload is there,” Senzel said. “It's just about getting me a little recovery here and there, so I'm able to be 100% every single day. The last couple of checkpoints until they let me free.”
Senzel, 27, made some offensive adjustments at the end of 2022, including a new batting stance. The Reds were encouraged because he was hitting the ball harder than he had all year, but the broken toe cost him the last two weeks of the season and the entire offseason.
“I've had conversations with him that his swing on the field during batting practice is the best I've ever seen,” Bell said. “I'm excited for him to get out there. It's very simple. Low effort. The ball is jumping off his bat. Obviously, we can't rush it. I'm excited to see him get out there.”
When Senzel arrived at Reds camp in early January, he was moving around on a scooter to keep weight off his broken toe. There have been the typical minor pains over the last two months like leg soreness and muscle tightness, but the Reds have been pleased with his progress.
Senzel showed up to camp in excellent shape, especially for a player who couldn't walk throughout the winter. He could bike at a certain point and could do shoulder workouts, but his primary focus was being strict with what he could eat.
“Just trying to be disciplined with the things that I could control,” he said. “I'm feeling faster and faster each day. The recovery is better. It's close. It's close. I'm right there.”