Reds' Noelvi Marte suspended 80 games for violation of MLB PED program

GOODYEAR, Ariz. –– Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte has been suspended 80 games for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Marte tested positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance, and violated MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program.

Marte will also not be eligible for the 2024 postseason, unless an arbitration panel reduces the length of suspension if it’s determined that positive was “not the result of his significant fault or negligence.”

Reds manager David Bell said that the organization learned about the suspension on Friday, and Marte addressed the team and told the entire group the news.

Without Marte, Jeimer Candelario is a strong candidate to make most of the starts at third base. Jonathan India, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Spencer Steer can all play third base as well, and they’re all also candidates to make starts at first base to fill out the Reds’ corner infield.

“He’s going to be greatly missed,” Bell said. “I believe in Noelvi Marte completely. 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 with open arms. And it’s going to be over.”

Marte was expected to be a regular third baseman this year. He was a top-20 prospect in baseball, and his combination of power, speed and athleticism was expected to give him the potential to be a Rookie of the Year contender this year.With the suspension, Marte sidetracked that opportunity. According to the Reds, Marte can return to the team’s complex in Goodyear, Arizona, at the end of big league spring training for extended spring training. He’ll also be able to go on a rehab assignment before he’s eligible to return on June 26.

“It’s very disappointing,” Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall said. “We support the player. He’ll serve the suspension. We’ll do everything he can to make sure he’s ready to go when he comes back.”

Without Marte, Jeimer Candelario is a strong candidate to make most of the starts at third base. Jonathan India, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Spencer Steer can all play third base as well, and they’re all also candidates to make starts at first base to fill out the Reds’ corner infield.

Infielders Josh Harrison, Tony Kemp, Jose Barrero and Mike Ford could be in the mix to fill Marte’s spot on the 26-man roster. Krall said that “I wouldn’t say that we are or are not” exploring replacing Marte with an outside addition.

Marte is the first Reds player to draw a suspension since 2020, when former Reds pitcher Vladimir Gutierrez received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for Stanozolol.Krall said that the Reds provide education on avoiding performance-enhancing substances throughout the organization.

“We do that from the minor leagues all the way up,” Krall said. “Our nutrition folks talk about being certified. We do that right when they come into our organization.”

Marte will count as a restricted player and won’t count against the 40-man roster while he’s suspended. He won't accrue service time unless Marte has his suspension reduced by more than 20 games via appeal. He'll be eligible to begin a minor league rehab assignment on June 6.

Cleveland Guardians All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, former Guardians outfielder Abraham Almonte, former Houston Astros pitcher David Paulino and former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jose Cabrera are among the players who have been suspended for 80 games after they tested positive for Boldenone.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds' Noelvi Marte suspended 80 games for violation of MLB PED program