Home Baseball How Noelvi Marte’s suspension will impact the Reds’ lineup: Reds have more at-bats available at those other two spots?

How Noelvi Marte’s suspension will impact the Reds’ lineup: Reds have more at-bats available at those other two spots?

Baseball — 03/12/2024

GLADYEAR, Ariz Elvi Marte, a third baseman with the Cincinnati Reds, was expected to start six to nine games out of ten before he was suspended for eighty games for breaking MLB’s performance-enhancing drug rules. With a wealth of position player depth coming into the season, the Reds will use it to replace Marte in the lineup.

Ten players that the Reds play every day are Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jeff Candelario, Matt McLain, Jonathan India, Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Will Benson, Jake Fraley, TJ Friedl, and Tyler Stephenson. Bell stated that De La Cruz will concentrate on shortstop and McLain will concentrate on second base, adding that Marte’s ban has no bearing on the game plan.

Third base is the position where the Reds have the most possibilities going into spring training. Candelario will probably play there most of the time without Marte. Behind Candelario at third base are Encarnacion-Strand, Jonathan India, Steer, and maybe a 26th man.

Reds manager David Bell stated, “Jeimer was going to play there a lot anyways.” “While we want to make sure we get Jeimer work there as well, there isn’t as much of a requirement for him at first. However, he will play third base a lot.

Jeimer Candelario was expected to play a lot at third base even before Noelvi Marte's 80-game suspension. “Jeimer was going to play there a lot anyways,” Reds manager David Bell said. “There’s less of a need to have Jeimer at first . . ."

Even before Noelvi Marte was suspended for 80 games, Jeimer Candelario was projected to see a lot of action at third base. Reds manager David Bell stated, “Jeimer was going to play there a lot anyways.” “It’s not as necessary to have Jeimer at first.”

Candelario was scheduled to split his time between first base, third base, and designated hitter before to Marte’s suspension. The Reds have more opportunities to bat at those other two positions because Candelario is at third base more frequently.

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As that group approaches regular playing time, Marte’s six to nine starts out of ten games will probably be split amongst Encarnacion-Strand, India, Benson, Steer, and Fraley.

With increased opportunities to start at first base, Encarnacion-Strand, a middle-of-the-order power bat, is expected to play a significant role this season. Additionally, India has more starts available at designated hitter and first base, and Benson, Steer, and Fraley have more starts available at designated hitter.

Reds infielder Noelvi Marte suspended for 80 games - Redleg Nation

Steer has been taking ground balls at second base on occasion this spring, and according to Bell, he will continue to be a regular in the outfield. Despite starting the Opening Day game the previous season at third base, Steer hasn’t played there this spring due to the Reds’ depth at that position.

India will continue to play left field, first base, second base, and third base. On Sunday, he is anticipated to make his debut in the outfield during spring training.

Jonathan India has worked with first base coach Collin Cowgill on outfield drills this spring. India, who is expected to play multiple positions, is set to play in the outfield for the first time Sunday.

This spring, Jonathan India has worked on outfield drills with Collin Cowgill, the first base coach. India is scheduled to play in the outfield for the first time on Sunday. They are anticipated to play several positions.

The Reds now have an opening in camp behind the 10 regulars, backup catcher Luke Maile, and center fielder Stuart Fairchild, who has improved significantly this spring, as Marte’s slot on the 26-man roster becomes available. The front-runners for the position are Mike Ford, Tony Kemp, Josh Harrison, and Nick Martini.

Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall refrained from commenting shortly after Marte’s suspension on Friday regarding whether the team would consider adding another free agent to take Marte’s spot on the roster.

Bell stated that he will assess the internal candidates for the 26th roster position during spring training.

Bell stated, “It will always depend on how you play.” It also has to do with how the whole roster works together. Making a choice or narrowing it down at this time would be a mistake. It’s always a plus when elite guys come to camp. Finally, we’ll need to make a wise choice.