Blog

Aug 01, 2023

The Reds should just rip off the bandage and DFA Nick Senzel

The writing is on the wall. If you needed anymore proof that the Cincinnati Reds are going to part ways with Nick Senzel during the offseason, look no further than the transactions that tooks place

The writing is on the wall.

If you needed anymore proof that the Cincinnati Reds are going to part ways with Nick Senzel during the offseason, look no further than the transactions that tooks place before Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Angels.

The Reds placed Stuart Fairchild on the seven-day IL (concussion) and added both Michael Siani and Nick Martini to the active roster. If this isn't a clear sign that Senzel's time in Cincinnati is up, I don't know what is.

Senzel has now been sitting at Triple-A while Siani, Martini, Fairchild, Noelvi Marte, T.J. Hopkins, and Henry Ramos (who was designated for assignment on Tuesday) have seen time with the big league club. It's time for the Reds to just cut bait and DFA Senzel before the end of the season.

Nick Senzel was the Cincinnati Reds first-round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft. But playing out of position along with a slew of injuries throughout his professional career have definitely taken their toll on the University of Tennessee alum.

Prior to the trade deadline, it was reported that Senzel and his agent sat down with Reds General Manager Nick Krall and skipper David Bell to discuss his lack of playing time. The club tried to find a trade partner for Senzel prior to the August 1st deadline, but no deal was made.

Senzel had become little more than a platoon player who saw playing time only when a left-handed pitcher was on the mound. The idea of sending Senzel down to Triple-A was initially described as an opportunity for him to get more at-bats. To be fair, Senzel was hitting just .175 against right-hander this season.

At this point, the situation has become embarrassing. I don't care that Nick Martini offers a left-handed bat and has played well during his stint with the Louisville Bats this season. If you're going to add Martini to the active roster instead of Senzel, then just let him find an opportunity to play elsewhere.

Yes, I know that the Reds could attempt to find a trade partner during the offseason and secure something like a player to be named later in exchange for Senzel, but come on. Just let him go.

With Tejay Antone and Justin Dunn readying to return from the 60-day IL in the near future, the Cincinnati Reds will need a couple spots on the 40-man roster anyway. Every other player on the 40-man roster, except Nick Senzel, could make a case to be on next year's team. It's time to rip off the bandage.

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