The Cincinnati Reds have had a busy day when it comes to news, and for about two hours today, the greatest Reds-related story was just about Joey Votto signing with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The team’s best prospect, Noelvi Marte, was suspended for 80 games earlier this afternoon after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance bolidenone.
Noelvi Marte’s recuperation from a hamstring injury he sustained in November while competing in the Dominican Winter League was so drawn out that he missed the start of spring training.
He will now have a late start to the regular season as well, but it will come much later than a week and a half.
The first day of the Cincinnati regular season will mark the start of his 80-game ban, and June 26th is the earliest day he can make a major league return.
According to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Marte can start what is regarded as a rehab assignment as early as June 6th in the minor leagues.
That makes sense because position players are limited to 20 days of rehab. Although Marte cannot play in games, he may still use the Reds spring training facility and even work out there when the Major League Baseball season starts.
The Reds, who were probably going to start Noelvi Marte at third base most of the time (he was probably going to receive a few starts here and there at shortstop and as the team’s designated hitter), are undoubtedly hurt by this.
He will now miss at least half of the season due to injury. Thankfully, they have depth that will enable them to handle that.
Cincinnati has a number of alternatives to cover third base, including keeping Jonathan India after what seemed to be at best a mediocre trade market for him and adding Jeimer Candelario to complement Christian Encarnacion-Strand in the winter.
