There was never any doubt Nick Senzel would return to the Major Leagues once he played in enough games during his rehab assignment, but the 27-year-old was emotional when he heard the news.
“Being in Toledo, I talked to David (Bell) Sunday night, he said they were close to calling me,” Senzel said. “It gave me bittersweet memories because that’s where I got the call when I made my debut back in 2019. It was a little emotional. I know it can be a big year for me.”
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Senzel had a long road to reach Thursday’s season debut. Senzel broke a toe in his left foot during a game on Sept. 20. The toe didn’t heal correctly on its own, requiring surgery in November, and Senzel moved around in a walking boot or scooter all the way until January.
He didn’t play in his first spring training game until March 22. He played seven games on a rehab assignment. He thanked the medical staff, strength staff and the team dietician for the “combined effort” to help him return.
“Physically and mentally, it's the best I've felt,” said Senzel, who played a career high 110 games last year. “I can attribute that to a lot of different things. Had a lot of down time in the offseason and in spring training. When I got there in early January, I knew I had to work hard to even be able to get to this point.
“My foot was in pretty bad shape. I didn’t know what to expect. We’re here now and I couldn’t be more thankful.”
It’s an important season in Senzel’s career. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft dealt with an array of injuries over the past five years. He hasn’t found consistent offensive success, entering Thursday with a career .240 batting average and a below-average .663 on-base plus slugging percentage.
The Reds plan to use him as a utility man this season. He started in center field Thursday and moved to second base for the final two innings. Expect to see him receive time at third base – his natural position – and left field. If he shows improvement offensively, he’ll be an everyday starter even if it comes at a variety of positions.
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“When Nick is playing well, playing at his best and he’s healthy, he can do a lot of things on the field to help us win,” Reds Manager David Bell said. “It was a great day having him back here in the clubhouse. He’s going to get an opportunity to play. He’s prepared to play anywhere, really, and he’s capable of it. That’ll make it easier to get him into the lineup. He’s going to make us a better team.”
There may have been a time when Senzel was more resistant to positional changes. The Reds had him switch defensive spots several times once he reached the upper levels of the minor leagues. He was blocked at third base and second base by 2018 All-Stars Eugenio Suárez and Scooter Gennett. The Reds didn’t see him as a fit at shortstop, so they moved him to center field.
It speaks to Senzel’s athleticism he could shift from third base to center field, but it was a big change for a guy at the beginning of his big league career.
“It’s difficult when you’re a young player that is trying to get established in the major leagues,” Bell said. “You have a lot of things to figure out at this level, no matter who you are and what you’ve been through. You’re just trying to survive sometimes. I think Nick has experienced so much in the game now that he’s prepared for anything.”
Senzel began to implement a change in his batting stance shortly before he broke his toe last year. Even in a small sample size, he was consistently hitting the ball harder.
Coaches were thrilled with the way he looked during spring training. In 25 at-bats on his rehab assignment, he hit two doubles and a homer.
“I needed the (rehab) games,” Senzel said. “I needed to show myself that I could play well and show myself that I was ready to go. I think that was the most important thing.”
It may be a prove-it season for Senzel, but he has shown he isn’t taking anything for granted. He’s healthy. He’s in a good place mentally. He’s thrilled to be back around his teammates.
“I know we have a young lineup,” Senzel said. “I have some experience to help these guys. I try to be a mentor for the younger guys. I have a lot to prove to myself. It’s a big year for me. I am excited for the challenge. I’m excited to see this group fight. What I’ve seen so far, it’d be fun to add to that.”
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