Opening Day Now "In Doubt" For Cincinnati Reds Former No. 2 Overall Pick

It's been a hard-luck first four seasons in the major leagues, and now, at a critical juncture of his career, it appears Opening Day is now "in doubt" for Cincinnati Reds center fielder Nick Senzel.

David Bell said it will be close for Nick Senzel being ready on opening day. Senzel still isn’t running 100% yet, but he made a step today joining some individual defense drills.

The running progression is the final step.

— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) February 23, 2023

The former No. 2 pick in the June Draft (2016) missed the final two weeks of the 2022 season when he fractured his big left toe in a collision with the wall. He eventually needed surgery to repair it, and spent the offseason getting around on a scooter. He only resumed baseball activity a couple of weeks ago, and hasn't yet hit against live pitching. He also isn't running at 100%.

Manager David Bell now says all this puts Opening Day in doubt for Senzel. “It’s going to be close."

But after another disappointing season in 2022, in which he had a career-worst .601 OPS, and finished with an OPS+ of 64 — 36% below the average hitter — he'll have to earn his spot in the outfield even when he does get healthy.

Photo: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports