Cincinnati Reds third baseman Noelvi Marte has been handed an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance, as announced by Major League Baseball on Friday.
Marte, aged 22, made his debut for Cincinnati last year, boasting a .316 batting average with three home runs in 35 games.
He was anticipated to be a significant contributor to this year’s team, with the organization having high aspirations of clinching the National League Central title, given their young yet talented group of position players. However, with Marte now sidelined for half the season, the Reds will have to cope without a potential key player.
“The Reds fully support Major League Baseball’s drug policy and its penalties,” stated the team in a released statement. “We will have no further comment.”
Marte was acquired in a 2022 trade that saw pitcher Luis Castillo move to the Seattle Mariners. He currently holds the 35th spot in ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel’s top 100 prospects list for this season.
Despite Marte’s absence, the Reds have alternative options at third base, including veteran Jeimer Candelario, who recently inked a long-term contract with the team during the past winter.
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