Reds activate Nick Senzel from IL, option Jose Barrero

The Cincinnati Reds reinstated infielder/outfielder Nick Senzel from the 10-day injured list on Friday, and he started at third base against the host Houston Astros.

Senzel, who is in his fifth season with the Reds in an injury-filled career, had been out due to a sore right knee. He missed Cincinnati's first 11 games this season as he recovered from surgery on a fractured toe on his left foot.

A career .243 hitter, Senzel was at .258 with four homers, 27 RBIs and four stolen bases through 45 games this season before getting hurt. He was seventh in the batting order as Cincinnati opened a three-game series with the Astros.

The Reds began the night in third place in the National League Central, one game behind the Pittsburgh Pirates and one-half game behind the Milwaukee Brewers.

To make room on the active roster, the Reds optioned Jose Barrero to Triple-A Louisville. Barrero, a shortstop until seeing time mostly in center field in the past month, was hitting .218 with two home runs, 17 RBIs and three steals in 46 games.