Today, June 10th, 2024 the Cincinnati Reds announced their plans for Noelvi Marte.
He was permitted a 3 week window to ramp up his conditioning and get ready to tackle Major League Baseball again. Tomorrow marks the start of the 3rd week, and we are just now learning what level he will play at.
What level will Noelvi Marte return to?
The Cincinnati Reds plan to start Noelvi Marte at AAA Louisville Bats. He will have 3 weeks to ramp up to get to “MLB” Ready. Noelvi Marte has been out in Arizona and took several atbats with the ACL Reds throughout his 80 game suspension after utilizing steroids. As of right now (assuming no rainouts) the Cincinnati Reds 81st game will be played on June 27. We can expect Noelvi Marte back “officially” on 6/27.
The unfortunate reality of the situation
Noelvi Marte return is exciting, but comes with depressing reality. Not only was he caught cheating, part of his 80 game suspension means he will NOT be eligible for the postseason, should our Cincinnati Reds get there. Regardless, his impressive start to his MLB career last year, if continued, will help the Cincinnati Reds struggling lineup get going and potentially make the postseason. Him playing 3B over Candelario (Candy DH) will be welcoming. Marte was a -2 OOA defender, but I don’t anticipate that being a regular thing. He looked better at SS. I think there’s a great chance we could see Noelvi playing some outfield, too, going forward. We shall see! Noelvi Marte had a 120 wRC+ in his 123 PAs his rookie year last season. He’s good. And a welcome addition. Welcome back, Noelvi!
Exciting getting him back