In the upcoming weeks, Cincinnati Reds fans will be hearing a lot about Noelvi Marte, who is preparing to return to the major leagues after serving an 80-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs. This news shocked many fans and players earlier in the spring when Marte tested positive for Boldenone. Marte was anticipated to be the Reds’ everyday third baseman in 2024 and a strong contender for the NL Rookie of the Year Award.
Assuming no game cancellations, Marte’s suspension will conclude on June 27th. However, he is set to start a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville on June 11th. The main question is how Marte will fit into the Reds’ 2024 plans and whether he can make an impact. The answer is a definitive yes. Last season, Marte hit .316 and had a 16-game hitting streak. Acquired from the Seattle Mariners in a trade for Luis Castillo in 2022, Marte will play with the Louisville Bats for at least two weeks.
Marte has been getting some reps at the Reds’ training complex in Arizona, but his start for the Bats on Tuesday will mark his first professional game this season. Although Reds fans expect Marte to rejoin the lineup on June 27th against the St. Louis Cardinals, his rehab assignment could extend up to 20 days, potentially delaying his return until early July or later. When Marte does rejoin the big league team, manager David Bell has indicated that it will be as if the suspension never happened, and his teammates are likely to welcome him back warmly. Since Marte’s suspension, Jeimer Candelario and Santiago Espinal have been covering third base, but this will probably change once Marte is active.
Marte was meant to be a crucial part of this year’s Reds team, and that remains true. Despite some challenges, the Reds have stayed competitive in his absence, along with the absence of Matt McLain due to a shoulder injury since Opening Day. Reds fans can look forward to seeing one of the team’s best young talents back on the field soon, with expectations for a significant, though perhaps gradual, impact upon his return.
