Reds spring training update: Jonathan India, Noelvi Marte, Nick Martinez

Amid unfortunate the news surrounding Noelvi Marte's suspension, the Cincinnati Reds had a game on Friday night at Camelback Ranch against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The weather didn't cooperate and the game was postponed after the top of the fifth inning.

The Reds (sort of) won the game, scoring four runs before the rain halted play. Stuart Fairchild was 1-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored. The Reds hot-hitting outfielder continued his dominance this spring, and with Marte's suspension, it's quite likely that Fairchild has all but secured a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Reds spring training update: Jonathan India plays first base

Jonathan India made his spring debut hitting atop the Reds' lineup on Friday night. India was 0-for-2 with a walk, but looked quite comfortable at his new position. India wasn't manning second base on Friday night, but was the Reds starting first baseman.

India played third base in college at the University of Florida, and with Marte's suspension, he could see some time at the hot corner. It's more likely, however, that the duo of Jeimer Candelario and Christian Encarnacion-Strand rotate at third base, but that could see India spend more time at first in 2024.

Reds spring training update: Noelvi Marte is ineligible for the postseason

The Reds' playoff odds certainly took a hit following the news of Marte's suspension. Marte will miss 80 games after testing positive for Boldenone, a performance-enhancing substance.

But the news goes from bad to worse for Marte, as he will be unable to participate in the MLB Postseason if the Reds make the playoffs. According to MLB.com, players who have served a suspension for PEDs in a given season are ineligible for postseason play that year. That's a steep price to pay, but one that Marte will have to own.

Reds spring training update: Nick Martinez's perfect outing

Martinez enhanced his candidacy for a spot in the Reds rotation after his dominant performance against the Dodgers on Friday night. Martinez went four perfect innings against the Dodgers' A-lineup. Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman were hitless against the Reds right-hander. Martinez faced a total of 12 batters and struck out six.

With Nick Lodolo unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, Martinez may now be in the driver's seat to secure a spot in the rotation to begin the season. No matter his role, if Martinez pitches like that, the opposition is in for a long night.

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