Cincinnati Reds notes: Nick Senzel is the backup plan shortstop — with a caveat

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — It sounds like Nick Senzel is the long-term backup plan at shortstop for the Reds – with a large caveat.

Senzel, the No. 1 prospect with the big league ready bat, has to show he can play short on the big league level. He played exclusively third base in the minors.

The Reds are working him both at short and third base in camp. One of the tutors is Hall of Famer Barry Larkin.

“I think it’s been going good. It’s good to have Barry back in town,” Senzel said. “He’s a great resource to have. It’s been a fun challenge so far. I just look forward to continuing to get better at the position, learning it and getting more reps.”

Jose Peraza is the starting shortstop, and the Reds signed veteran Cliff Pennington as the backup. But Peraza is unproved both defensively and offensively. He hit .259/.297/.342 last in the 487 at-bats and had a negative defensive WAR (Wins Above Replacement).

So it makes sense for the Reds to hedge their bets. Senzel played shortstop at the University of Tennessee. Reds manager Bryan Price is reserving judgment on Senzel until he sees more of him at the position.

“Before I offer any thoughts, I’m going to watch him play a bit longer,” Price said. “We’ll get him out there and let him play the position and get re-acclimated to playing short before there’s any assessment.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him play, not only in practice but in games and seeing what he does instinctively.”

There’s been some talk of Senzel playing second base or the outfield. The Reds won’t do that for now.

“Not to start camp,” Price said. "We don’t want to get him spread out too much. I think he played exclusively third base last year. To move him is enough of a challenge.”

That’s OK with Senzel.

“My focus is on shortstop,” he said. “I’ll take some reps at other spots, but I think third base is a little bit to the side right now. I’m focused on getting better at shortstop.”

Senzel’s bat could force the Reds’ hand to look at spots over than third and short. He was the Reds’ minor league player of the year. He hit a combined .321/.391/.514 in a stop at high Single-A and Double-A.

“The idea to play the outfield or play second base is in large part if there’s an injury or lack of performance issue that creates an opportunity to play or he is ready to be added to the club and we’ve got to find a place where he can play more frequently than others," Price said. “That’s what happens when you have a relatively young team of guys you’re excited about.

“The first thing he’s got to do is come out and perform and drive that conversation when it's the right time to get him up here and what position he should be playing when he does arrive.”

GAME 1 STARTER: Price is not ready to announce who will pitch in spring opener Friday against Cleveland.

“We want to get through the first batting practice before we announce it,” he said.

INJURY REPORT: Right-hander Robert Stephenson is being held back by a “crick” in his neck.

“He’s fine. The arm is great,” Price said. “We’re making sure the neck doesn’t get him in bad habits.”