The Cincinnati Reds made the controversial decision to have top prospect Nick Senzel begin the 2019 season in the minor leagues, but the former second overall draft pick appears to be getting close to making his MLB debut.
Jon Heyman of Fancred reports that the Reds could promote Senzel as early as Friday, when they return home to face the San Francisco Giants following a seven-game road trip.
Reds are contemplating promoting top prospect Nick Senzel to the majors and are expected to do so soon, possibly even when the team returns home Friday. Has adjusted nicely to CF. Big-time hitting talent who was No. 2 overall pick in 2016 draft.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 30, 2019
Senzel, 23, is an infielder by trade who competed for an outfield spot with the Red during spring training. He batted .308 in spring training and .310 with good power numbers in the minors last season, but Cincinnati chose not to make him part of the Opening Day roster. Senzel’s agent responded to that decision by unloading on the organization for manipulating Senzel’s service time.
Shortly after it was announced that he would begin the season in the minors, Senzel suffered an ankle injury that forced him to sit out several games. He has appeared in just six games at Triple-A this season and is hitting .296 with one home run and two RBI. He has a career average of .314 and OPS of .900 in the minors.
