Reds Notes Marte Candelario Lodolo McLain Indi

The infield mix in Cincinnati got a bit le s crowded yesterday when third baseman was after testing positive for Boldenone, a banned performance-enhancing substance. That lo s of Marte figures to substantially impact the clubs plans in the first half of the season, as notes that the 22-year-old was slated to start anywhere from six to nine of every ten games for the club this season. That leaves around 50 to 70 starts in the first half of the season to be accounted for, though Payton Henry Jersey the Reds fortunately have plenty of options at their disposal who will be able to help cover for Martes absence. In particular, Goldsmith notes that offseason addition is expected to get the lions share of playing time at third base, which would open up starts at first base for the likes of Christian Encarnacion-Stand and , as well as DH starts for outfielders such as and . While Cincinnatis decision to not only decline to deal from the crowded infield mix in order to improve other areas of the roster, but also bolster said infield with the addition of Candelario was somewhat surprising at the time, in light of Martes suspension the choice to maintain the clubs depth ahead of the 2024 campaign appears to have been a wise one. While Martes absence appears likely to increase the playing time available for several players, the specific positions where that playing time is le s certain given the number of versatile players the club has at its disposal. Manager recently indicated to reporters (including Goldsmith) that and would remain focused on shortstop and second base, respectively, in light of Martes injury, while Spencer Steer will continue to be a regular presence in the clubs outfield mix. That being said, Bell also noted that Candelario still figures to see some time at first base. Meanwhile, each of De La Cruz, McLain and even Steer are capable of playing all around the infield, and India figures to play a mix of first, second, third, and left field this season. With Encarnacion-Strand likely to get regular time between first base and DH, some DH starts likely to be offered to catcher , and the likes of , , and Jake Fraley fighting alongside Steer for regular time in the outfield, the club still has more regulars competing for playing time than room in the starting lineup. While it should be noted that injuries and under-performance can allow those playing time i sues to resolve themselves naturally throughout the season, it appears that the clubs positional mix is largely healthy entering the season. That even goes for India and McLain, despite the fact that the pair have both largely sat out games to this point in the spring. India made his spring debut just yesterday after being slowed entering camp by a tear of his plantar fasciitis, as debut that was right in line with what was . that Bell has indicated to reporters that India should have plenty of time to prepare himself for Opening Day later this month, and it seems reasonable to expect that the same would apply to McLain, who Bell indicated is slated to make his spring debut tomorrow. India will look to build on a 2023 season that saw him slash a league average .244/.338/.407 in 119 games while battling the aforementioned plantar fasciitis, while McLain figures to be a key fixture of the clubs lineup after slashing an excellent .290/.357/.507 in 403 trips to the plate during his rookie season last year. Also poised to make his spring debut tomorrow is left-hander , who is probably not in position to make a start during the first week of the regular season, per Bell, with the Reds targeting a potential first start of the regular season on April 9 against the Brewers. That would leave Lodolo poised to mi s the first two turns through the starting rotation to open the season, meaning the club could start the season with a rotation of , , , , and . Its a big season for Lodolo, who struggled to a 6.29 ERA and 5.79 FIP in seven starts last year before mi sing the remainder of the 2023 season with a stre s reaction in his left tibia. Prior to his injury-marred 2023 season, Lodolo entered the 2022 campaign as a consensus top-40 prospect in the sport and made 19 starts for the Reds, pitching to a 3.66 ERA with a 3.90 FIP in 103 1/3 frames. Rhys Hoskins Jersey