The Cincinnati Reds have made significant moves to rejuvenate their roster, starting with the reinstatement of Noelvi Marte. After serving an 80-game suspension for violating the league's Joint Drug Agreement, Marte returns to the Reds’ lineup with a renewed focus. The 22-year-old tested positive for Boldenone, a banned performance-enhancing substance, which kept him off the field for the better part of the season.
Despite this setback, Marte brings promising stats from last season, when he made an impactful debut. In his short stint, he hit .316/.366/.456, accompanied by seven doubles, three home runs, and 15 RBIs in just 35 games, earning him a 0.8 WAR. These figures underline his potential as a key player for the Reds, who are in need of an offensive spark.
A Rough Rehab Assignment
Marte's rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville was less than stellar, posting a paltry .151/.151/.170 line and striking out 15 times in 53 at-bats over 12 games. These numbers appear concerning, but it’s worth noting that rehab assignments often focus more on regaining physical form rather than putting up impressive stats. The Reds are hopeful that Marte can rediscover his groove as he transitions back to major league action.
Reds' Struggling Offense
Offensive struggles have plagued the Reds this season, ranking 10th in the NL in runs, 11th in OPS, and last in batting average. The designated hitters have also underperformed, hitting just .210/.271/.335. This offensive gap has been felt even more with key injuries during spring training, notably to Matt McLain and TJ Friedl. Though Friedl has managed to play in 26 games this season, neither McLain nor Marte has registered a game this year, adding to the team’s woes.
Aiming for the Wild Card
The Reds currently hold a record of 37-43, trailing the final wild-card spot by 4.5 games. This isn’t an insurmountable deficit, but bridging the gap will require consistent performance improvements. Marte’s return could be the catalyst the Reds need to spark an offensive revival, especially given his previous success and the team's current standings.
Third Base Dilemma
During Marte's absence, Jeimer Candelario has predominantly occupied the third base position. Candelario has been a reliable presence, but the Reds will undoubtedly welcome the flexibility and depth Marte's return brings. With his reinstatement, the team now has the option to mix and match their lineup to optimize offensive output and defensive stability.
Overall, Marte’s reinstatement injects a sense of hope and renewal for a Reds team in need of both. While his recent performances in Triple-A suggest there might be some rust to shake off, Marte's potential to influence games cannot be understated. The Reds will look to leverage his talents as they aim to climb back into playoff contention. The rest of the season hinges significantly on how quickly Marte can transition back to his peak form and provide the batting prowess that made him the Reds’ No. 1 prospect and 14th overall in baseball.