When the Cincinnati Reds’ outfield got back to full strength last week, Reds manager David Bell didn’t commit to naming a starting center fielder.
At the time, Bell left open the possibility that Nick Senzel and Albert Almora Jr. would share playing time in center field. So when Tyler Naquin returned to take Almora Jr.’s spot in right field, the Reds had to make their most interesting lineup decision of the season between Senzel and Almora Jr.
Since Naquin returned on July 5, Senzel has started five of the Reds’ last seven games. Over the last month, Senzel has started all but three Reds games in center field.
With Senzel in the middle of his best offensive stretch since his rookie year in 2019, he’s establishing his role as the Reds’ starting center fielder.
More:Tyler Stephenson shares story about how he nearly was late to Reds game
Photos:Tampa Bay Rays at Cincinnati Reds, July 10
“I wouldn't say there was a specific turning point,” Senzel said. “I think (I’m) just staying confident and staying positive every day and knowing not to chase results. Just keep working with our hitting coaches and believing in myself. I don't know if there was a specific moment. I just think of chipping away and grinding away every day.”
Before June 13, Senzel was hitting .213, and his playing time was in jeopardy as the 27-year-old struggled to translate his tools into consistent success in MLB. Since June 13, Senzel has the highest batting average on the Reds and the 14th-highest batting average in MLB at .338.
During this stretch, Senzel’s average batted ball is 3 mph harder than he did before June 13, and he’s hitting the ball four degrees higher on average. His line-drive rate has spiked, and he’s hitting ground balls much less often.
Senzel is pulling the ball down the third-base line more often. He has made his biggest jump with his consistency and his results against fastballs, which have gone from a major weakness to his strength. He’s swinging the bat at the exact same rate, but Senzel is making better decisions and using better judgment to determine whether or not the pitch is in the strike zone.
“He's getting to a point where he wants to be up in every situation,” Bell said.
He's playing with confidence. We've talked about how important it is for him to just be playing and continuing to get better. He's still a young player. But he's playing great. He has played pretty much every day.”
Senzel said he has focused on hitting low line drives and has learned what works best during the season. Due to changes to the baseball that have led to a decline in power hitting across MLB, Senzel said he picked up on how fly balls haven’t been traveling very far this year.
As a result, Senzel worked on maintaining a short swing and making solid contact. His success in the bottom half of the Reds’ lineup has changed the dynamic of the entire offense.
“Any time a guy gets rolling is a ton of fun to watch,” Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson said. “I know this wasn’t how he started and he battled some stuff early on. He has been in there working; that’s what he said. Everybody is proud of him. It’s fun to see him healthy and playing. He was a super high pick and we know how special he is. It’s a huge addition to the team.”
Reds right fielder Tyler Naquin said, "He's staying healthy; that’s No. 1. He has put himself in a position to do what he’s doing. He’s getting those hits, and he can really run and play a good center field.”
Between 2020 and 2021, Senzel only played in 59 total games. Over his previous two seasons, Senzel has been on the injured list more than he has been healthy.
In 2022, Senzel has already played exactly 59 games, and he has had enough time to make in-season adjustments.
During the last month, Senzel has had the opportunity to show why he was a top-10 prospect in MLB.
“(The success) feels really good,” Senzel said. “I'd be lying if I didn't say that. It feels really good to get results. But if I just stay positive, stay confident, I want to ride it as long as I can.”
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