Nick Senzel Makes His Major League Debut Against San Francisco

http://donatelifeohio.org/

Fans on the radio talk show have been clamoring since last year, they wanted to see Nick Senzel, the Reds' first pick of the 2016 draft.  He was second overall and rated among the top five Major League prospects.

The wait is over less than three years after draft day.  Senzel's contract was selected from Triple A Louisville on Friday.  He will bat second in the lineup and play centerfield, a position he has been playing only since spring training in February.

http://www.wiedemannbeer.com/

Cincinnati returned Matt Bowman to Louisville and placed Scooter Gennett on the 60-day disabled list to make room for their top prospect.

"It is an art, not a science to know when a player is ready," Reds' president of baseball operations said. "You can tell when you're watching a guy play when he's getting close."

Williams who went to Louisville to watch Senzel play through four at bats and some chances in the outfield.

Senzel was optioned to Louisville at the end of spring training to get some experience with centerfield before being thrown into big league action.  The problem was Senzel sprained his right ankle in Goodyear before the Bats' season started.

"We asked this gut to do a lot," Williams said.  "He has a selfless approach."

He played eight games after his return, hitting .257 with a home run and a double in 35 at bats.

"When you're ready. You're ready," Williams said. "He is up to play. We're not going to bring him up here and keep him on the sidelines."

"I'm really excited. I found out Wednesday after the game," Senzel said.  "It is a dream come true for me.  The injuries make this even more emotional.  I am really comfortable in centerfield.  The more I see the more comfortable I am out there."

Senzel was making a bid to play in Cincinnati last season.  He had a 12-game hitting streak when he tore ligaments in his thumb that required surgery.  Senzel cast aside the frustration and took the injuries on head on.

ht[[s://amazon.com/

"I guess when you have injuries in a row, it's just mentally exhausting," Senzel said.  "Sometimes you let negative thoughts creep in .  Overcoming that was the most important thing, instead of dwelling on things you can't control."

Senzel is familiar with the guys in the clubhouse.  He spent two springs with most of them.

"If I play the way I know how to play, I can help this team," said Senzel who turns 24 on June 29.  "Just being a Red and to know I'm in the lineup, makes it all worth it.  Everybody has welcomed me with open arms."

Reds' manager David Bell put him into a lineup right away that has been struggling to score runs.  The Reds are last in the National League with a .207 average.  Scott Schebler, who is being replaced by Senzel, is hitting. 127.

"It is a big day for Nick.  It is a special day.  I hope he enjoys every minute of it.  Anyone who plays at this level deserves to feel proud of all the work it took to get here," Bell said.  "We just want him to be himself. By just being himself, he adds a lot to this team.  We think he can contribute a lot now and not just now for a long time to come."

"It's emotional, not just for yourself but all the people who helped you get to this point," Bell said.  "It is like a dream.  You have to stop a few minutes and recognize it."