Noelvi Marte DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cincinnati Reds third baseman Noelvi Marte's (oblique) follow-up MRI exam has been moved up to May 27 from June 4 because the team's medical staff has been pleased with his progress from a left-oblique strain. The results of Marte's MRI exam could determine the next step in his recovery. The Reds placed the 23-year-old infielder on the 10-day injured list on May 7, and he doesn't have a clear timetable for his return. Christian Encarnacion-Strand (back) and Jeimer Candelario (back) are both still on the IL as well, so it's possible that Marte will see regular playing time again at third base if he's able to make it back sooner than later. The Dominican infielder was hitting a strong .294/.342/.515 at the time of his injury with an .857 OPS, three home runs, 17 RBI, 10 runs scored and four stolen bases in his 68 at-bats. Santiago Espinal should continue to benefit at third until one of the three return.

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that infielder Noelvi Marte (oblique) has a Grade 2 left-oblique strain and will be out for a while. Marte was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday after being scratched from Tuesday's lineup, and he will not be ready to rejoin the Reds when he's eligible to return on May 15. The Reds are also without Jeimer Candelario (back) and Christian Encarnacion-Strand (back), so their depth on the infield is being tested early in 2025. Santiago Espinal is starting at the hot corner and is batting fifth on Wednesday against Atlanta Braves right-hander Grant Holmes. Fantasy managers in NL-only leagues will see increased value from Espinal in the short term with regular playing time. Marte was hitting a solid .294 (20-for-68) in the early going with three homers, 17 RBI and four steals, but when he returns (could be a month-plus), regular playing time might not be available.

Cincinnati Reds third baseman Noelvi Marte (oblique) was placed on the 10-day injured list prior to Wednesday's contest against the Atlanta Braves. In a corresponding move, the Reds recalled outfielder Rece Hinds from Triple-A Louisville. Marte was scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to an oblique strain but will now miss at least the next two weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status while he is sidelined, but given his injury, he will likely remain sidelined longer than the 10-day period. After a disappointing 2024 campaign, Marte enjoyed a strong start to the 2025 season, holding a .294/.342/.515 slash line with three home runs and four stolen bases. While the 23-year-old is sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Santiago Espinal to see most of the opportunities at the hot corner.