Reds Beat: Top Prospect Noelvi Marte Suspended 80 Games For Testing Positive for PED Boldenone, Updated Reds OD Roster Projection

Nick Krall’s decision to bolster depth all around the roster is already looking pretty prescient.

Certainly, the Reds President of Baseball Operations wasn’t counting on the 80-game PED suspension that was handed down to top prospect Noelvi Marte Friday but nevertheless, Krall’s moves to bring in the likes of Jeimer Candelario and Josh Harrison and hold onto Jonathan India will significantly mitigate some of the pain associated with the suspension.

The Commissioner’s Office announced Friday afternoon that Marte, the projected starting third baseman, has received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Boldenone. Marte had been rehabbing a hamstring injury suffered in winter ball, an injury that slowed his work when the full squad workouts began on Feb. 19.

The substance is classified as a performance enhancing substance under the collective bargaining agreement and puts Marte in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Marte was 3-for-10 in four games this spring with a double and two runs scored.

The suspension of Marte will become effective at the beginning of the regular season.

The Reds immediately put out a response to the suspension.

“Below is the organization’s response to the 80-game suspension of IF Noelvi Marte for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

The Reds fully support Major League Baseball’s drug policy and its penalties. We will have no further comment.”

The Reds acquired Marte in a 2022 deadline deal from Seattle on July 29, 2022, along with Edwin Arroyo, Andrew Moore, and Levi Stoudt for ace Luis Castillo.

After spending the rest of 2022 at Single-A Dayton, Marte rocketed through the system last year, slashing .316/.366/.466 with three homers and 15 RBIs in 35 games.

Before making his MLB debut in August, Marte began 2023 with Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts, playing in 50 games for Chattanooga, slashing .281/.356/.464 with 8 home runs, 25 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. On June 26, 2023, Marte was promoted to the Triple–A Louisville Bats.

Friday’s news no doubt means more playing time for Jeimer Candelario and Jonathan India and potentially a roster spot for 36-year-old utility man Josh Harrison.

The team also waived infielder Jose Barrero Friday. He was claimed by the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers on Saturday.

Latest 26-man Opening Day roster projection for 2024:

Regulars (9):

C: Tyler Stephenson
1B: Christian Encarnacion-Strand
2B: Matt McLain
SS: Elly De La Cruz
3B: Jeimer Candelario
LF: Spencer Steer
CF: TJ Friedl
RF: Jake Fraley
DH: Jonathan India

Bench (4):

C Luke Maile
INF Josh Harrison
OF Will Benson
OF Stuart Fairchild

Starters (5):

RHP Hunter Greene
RHP Graham Ashcraft
LHP Andrew Abbott
RHP Frankie Montas
RHP Nick Martinez

Relievers (8):

LHP Sam Moll
RHP Lucas Sims
RHP Buck Farmer
RHP Alexis Diaz
RHP Emilio Pagan
RHP Fernando Cruz
LHP Brent Suter
RHP Tejay Antone

IL:

LHP Nick Lodolo
RHP Ian Gibaut

Suspended:

INF Noelvi Marte

Keep an eye on:

OF Tony Kemp
RHP Carson Spiers Triple-A Louisville
LHP Brandon Williamson
INF Edwin Arroyo Minor League Camp
RHP Rhett Lowder Minor League Camp
RHP Chase Petty Minor League Camp
LHP Justin Bruihl Triple-A Louisville
LHP Alex Young
RHP Casey Legumina Triple-A Louisville
OF Rece Hinds Triple-A Louisville
LHP Reiver Sanmartin Minor League Camp
INF/OF Nick Martini