Former No. 2 Overall Pick To Be Ready For Opening Day For Reds

He was one of the game's top prospects upon his arrival in the majors in 2019, but due to a series of injuries and other setbacks, things have never quite gone as planned for Cincinnati Reds outfielder Nick Senzel. But after yet another brutal injury setback, he says he's ready to go this spring.

Talked briefly to Nick Senzel. He looks like he's in great shape, which is especially interesting considering he couldn't walk for four months. His foot is good, he said, and they'll ramp him up a little more slowly, but he's in great shape and feeling good

— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) February 14, 2023

Per C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, Senzel appears to be in "great shape," which, as he says, is good, " considering he couldn't walk for four months. His foot is good, he said, and they'll ramp him up a little more slowly, but he's in great shape and feeling good."

Of course, Reds fans have heard this one before from the oft-injured outfielder, and just aren't buying it. 

This just in. Nick Senzel on his way in early today for spring training. pic.twitter.com/xfnBNtt3KU

— Mike The Mouth (@GodfatherNFBC) February 14, 2023

Nick Senzel has over 1000 career PA & has been 26% below league average in that span.

At what point does he move past the “he needs a chance to prove it” to “this may be who Nick Senzel is”?

— Bryce Spalding (@bryce_spalding) February 15, 2023

One fan points out that, despite all the fits and starts, Senzel does have over 1,000 plate appearances over his four major league seasons, and sports an OPS+ of 73, which is actually 27% below league average.  

It appears that the Reds are going to give the 27-year-old one more shot to make it, though he’ll be facing plenty of competition for a starting job in the outfield. TJ Friedl being one of his chief competitors.

Photo: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports