*Photo from The Athletic*
Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for a performance enhancing substance, a violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program, according to an announcement by the league on Friday.
Marte, who was ranked as the top prospect in the Reds farm system and was poised for his first full season in the major leagues, tested positive for Boldenone, an anabolic steroid. His suspension will begin on opening day and Marte can participate in both extended spring training and a minor league rehab assignment before he returns. If the Reds make the playoffs, Marte is ineligible for the playoff roster.
Last season, Marte forced a callup due to his impressive performance in the minor leagues. He did well in his short sample of the majors, slashing .316/.366/.456 with a 120 OPS+ to go with 3 home runs, 7 doubles, and 15 RBI's in 35 games.
Reds infielder Jeimer Candelario said of the suspension that "Noelvi is one of the most special guys here. It’s just really sad news. We’re here to support him and be there for him, for sure. For me, right now, I’m just concentrating on the moment. Wherever David Bell needs me, I will be there for him. But right now, I’m just trying to support my teammate."
Marte was acquired by the Reds at the 2022 trade deadline from the Seattle Mariners in the trade that sent pitcher Luis Castillo to the Mariners. Thanks to his arrival in the majors last season, Marte was poised to be the everyday 3rd baseman for the Reds, but that's now on hold.
While playing in the Dominican Winter League, Marte suffered a hamstring injury and had a slow start to spring training as a result. In 4 Cactus League games, he did go 3-10 with a double and two runs scored while also stealing one base.
Reds manager David Bell gave his thoughts on the situation, saying that "He's gonna be greatly missed. I believe in Noelvi Marte. He's going to get through this. When he does, it's going to be behind him. When he does come back, he's going to be welcomed back with open arms, and it's going to be over."
Marte becomes the first Reds player to be suspended for PED's since Vladimir Gutierrez was also handed an 80 game suspension in 2020. Marte is eligible to return from his suspension as soon as the team's June 21 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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