CINCINNATI -- Reds rookie center fielder Nick Senzel exited Sunday’s 11-1 loss to the Indians at Great American Ball Park before the second inning because of a sprained right ankle.

It’s the same ankle that he sprained in March when a spike caught in the dirt during a Minor League game in Arizona. This time, the injury is viewed as much less severe, which was a relief for both Senzel and the club.

“It could’ve been way worse, but I had my ankle taped. It saved it,” Senzel said.

With two outs in the top of the first inning, Cleveland’s Carlos Santana hit a drive deep to right-center field. Senzel attempted a leaping catch as he crashed into the wall. The play went for a double and Senzel came up limping badly on his right leg.

“I saw the replay. When I jumped up there, it just compressed a way that my ankle shouldn’t bend,” Senzel said.

Head trainer Steve Baumann and manager David Bell ran onto the field to check on Senzel, who initially stayed in the game. But when the second inning began, he was out and Jesse Winker had moved over from left field as a replacement. Derek Dietrich took over Senzel’s top spot in the batting order, playing second base. That meant Jose Peraza went from second base to left field.

When the Reds return from the All-Star break, they do not believe that a trip to the injured list will be necessary for Senzel.

“We’re hoping to have him back the first day after the break,” said Bell.

Over 55 games this season since his Major League debut on May 3, Senzel is batting .263/.325/.455 with eight home runs and 27 RBIs. He drew a leadoff walk in the first inning Sunday during his lone plate appearance.

“I think that when we have our early workout when we get to Denver, I will just go through some things and see how it feels and go from there,” Senzel said. “But I expect to be back after the break.”