Senzel, Moose exit early, avoid serious injury

May 14th, 2021

The Reds lost two members of their starting lineup to injuries during Thursday's 13-8 loss to the Rockies, with center fielder Nick Senzel and first baseman Mike Moustakas both departing the game early.

Senzel has a left heel contusion, the club announced from Coors Field. Moustakas appeared to hurt one of the fingers on his right hand while attempting to catch a foul ball near the netting behind first base in the bottom of the fourth inning. But manager David Bell revealed that it was a right shoulder injury.

“Moose diving into the screen down the line, going for the popup, just tweaked his shoulder a little bit,” Bell said. “He’s going to be back in the lineup [Friday], for sure. He’s going to be fine. Nick, we’ll have to wait [and see]. More day to day.”

In the first inning, Senzel attempted to make a catch on Connor Joe’s drive to the right-center-field wall. His foot appeared to hit the base of the wall before he fell down as Joe notched an RBI double to give Colorado a 1-0 lead against pitcher Luis Castillo.

After being slow to get up, Senzel remained in the game and caught a fly ball from the next batter, Charlie Blackmon. Senzel played through the second inning.

Shogo Akiyama pinch-hit for Senzel in the top of the third inning and remained in the game to play center field.

“He may potentially miss a day, but nothing long term. No concern there,” Bell said of Senzel.

Moustakas crashed into the padded wall down the first-base line in the fourth chasing down a popup off the bat of Alan Trejo. He was replaced by Alex Blandino for the bottom of the fifth.