Here's the best Reds infield alignment for Terry Francona after Noelvi Marte injury

The Cincinnati Reds’ infield puzzle just got more complicated.With Noelvi Marte officially landing on the injured list with an oblique strain, the Reds are once again forced to reshuffle an already patchwork defensive alignment. What might’ve been a simple plug-and-play solution — sliding in Jeimer Candelario or Christian Encarnacion-Strand — becomes far more difficult with both players also currently sidelined.

That leaves Cincinnati with a tricky balancing act. Instead of calling up another infielder to replace Marte, the Reds promoted outfielder Rece Hinds. That decision alone speaks volumes about the team’s intentions. A clear signal that they’ll look inward and shuffle existing pieces rather than reaching deeper into the farm for help.

How the Reds can survive infield injuries after losing Noelvi Marte

All signs point to Gavin Lux and Santiago Espinal splitting time at third base in Marte’s absence. While Lux has spent most of 2025 roaming the outfield, he has past infield experience at both second base and shortstop. He’s only made two appearances at the hot corner this year, but his versatility is clearly part of the Reds' strategy.

Espinal, meanwhile, may get the first crack at everyday reps. He’s already logged 10 games at third base this season and has embraced a super-utility role. More importantly, Espinal has been slashing .333/.383/.774 in limited action — by far the best offensive numbers between the two. Lux, to his credit, is hitting a solid .295, though neither player brings much in the way of power. Between them, they’ve combined for just one home run in 2025.

Spencer Steer also could’ve been a fill-in at third. However, with the Reds battling so many injuries he’s now the de facto full-time first baseman. That locks him into a corner of the infield and limits manager Terry Francona’s flexibility in creating new combinations.

As it stands, the Reds’ starting infield likely shakes out as follows: Matt McLain at second, Elly De La Cruz at shortstop, Steer at first, and a Lux-Espinal rotation at third.

With Marte, Candelario, and CES all sidelined, the Reds have lost a significant chunk of their middle-of-the-order pop. Cincinnati will have to count on Rece Hinds to provide some offensive thump while filling in on the grass. Though inconsistent, Hinds has flashed high exit velocities in the past and could help counterbalance the lack of home run production coming from the hot corner.

In many ways, the Reds are in survival mode. The injury bug has bitten hard, and their current approach is less about optimizing matchups and more about keeping the wheels turning. For now, they’ll ride the bats of Espinal and Lux and hope that Hinds can offer a spark while reinforcements recover.

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