How Cincinnati Reds plan to keep Noelvi Marte game-ready for return from PED suspension

SEATTLE — This week was supposed to provide an organizational homecoming for this year’s Cincinnati Reds’ Rookie of the Year candidate.

Until Noelvi Marte got suspended 80 games for steroids during spring training.

But Reds manager David Bell said the infielder acquired from the Mariners as a prospect in the Luis Castillo trade at the trade deadline two years ago is still close to the Reds’ thoughts and plans.

“I’ve checked in on him a couple times,” said Bell, who also gets reports from farm director Jeremy Farrell, whose in Arizona, where Marte is playing during extended spring training.

“He said he’s doing great, getting all his work in,” Bell said, “making the most of it.”

Marte, who hit .316 with three homers in a 35-game debut for the Reds last summer, isn’t eligible to return to the Reds until June 27 at St. Louis, and he won’t be eligible for the postseason if the club makes the playoffs.

The Reds presumptive Opening Day third baseman until the suspension is eligible for a minor-league rehab assignment leading up to a return.

But between the end of extended spring training games early next month and that minor-league eligibility, Marte won’t have any games to play.

Bell said the club has devised a schedule of live batting practices and simulated games to try to best prepare him to be ready as soon as he’s eligible.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How Reds plan to get Noelvi Marte ready for June return from PED ban