Noelvi Marte's surge forces Reds to make unplanned (but necessary) lineup adjustments

Noelvi Marte did not make the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day roster, but after injuries struck, he was called up to the big leagues. Marte lasted for just a few days before being sent back to Triple-A only to be recalled once again when Christian Encarnacion-Strand hit the IL. Based on his recent surge, Cincinnati seems unlikely to send Marte back to the minors anytime soon.

Marte had a year to forget in 2024. An 80-game suspension coupled with poor performance caused the former top prospect to fall out of favor with the Reds fanbase. But the Cincinnati faithful are a forgiving bunch, and Marte's .348/.400/.739 slash line since rejoining the team is sure to tamp down a lot of ill-will directed at the Reds third baseman.

Marte has seen his playing time increase and was even elevated in the Reds starting lineup earlier this week. With Austin Hays out of the lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Miami Marlins, Marte moved up from the bottom-third of the batting order and was hitting fifth.

Noelvi Marte's surge is forcing the Reds to bench Santiago Espinal

But with Marte's ascension, Reds manager Terry Francona had to make some questionable, but necessary adjustments. Reds infielder Santiago Espinal has seen his playing take a nose dive, and didn't receive a single start during Cincinnati's visit to South Beach. Espinal appears to be the odd man out at moment, and that could be a difficult situation for him to avoid going forward.

Marte's hot-bat will keep him in the lineup, so Espinal is unlikely to get a start at third base unless there's a left-hander on the mound for the opposition. Outside of an off-day, Espinal is not going to replace Elly De La Cruz or Matt McLain in the lineup. While Espinal can fill in on the outfield grass, he's best served as the Reds' utility infielder.

With Spencer Steer back at first base, Jeimer Candelario's playing time is going to take a hit as well. Candelario, however, is making $15 million this season, so the Reds will be sure to get his bat in the lineup with regularity.

Francona is playing the hand he's dealt at the moment, and that means a reduced role for one of his most reliable contact hitters. Espinal does have minor-league options remaining, but unlike young, inexperienced players, the former All-Star isn't in need of everyday at-bats to stay sharp.

As long as Marte is hitting, Francona has no choice but to keep his bat in the lineup. Quite frankly, given his struggles lately, McLain might be in danger of losing playing time to Espinal before Marte. But that's not going happen. Espinal is perfectly suited for the role he's currently playing, but another layer will be added to the equation when Tyler Stephenson returns to the active roster.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors