Reds’ Noelvi Marté Lands on IL Due to Oblique Strain

The Cincinnati Reds are navigating a tough stretch as infielder Noelvi Marté, one of their standout players this season, was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain. This setback is not only a blow to Marté’s promising resurgence but also a challenge for the Reds’ already-strained infield depth.

The Reds announced that Marté’s injury was retroactive to May 5, following tests that confirmed a left oblique strain after he experienced discomfort in his left side. While the severity and recovery timeline remain unclear, oblique strains are notoriously tricky, often sidelining players for weeks or even months.

Losing Marté at this juncture is a significant setback, given his stellar performance at the plate in 2025.

Prior to his injury, Marté had been firing on all cylinders with a .294 batting average, .342 on-base percentage, and .515 slugging percentage in just 73 plate appearances. His 131 wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus) reflected his contributions as one of the Reds’ most impactful hitters this season.

The numbers are particularly notable considering the struggles he faced in 2024, including serving an 80-game PED suspension and producing mediocre results after his return. Starting this season in the minors, Marté quickly earned his call-up after excelling in Louisville.

His dynamic performance since joining the big-league roster not only bolstered the Reds’ offense but also reignited optimism about his future as the team’s cornerstone at third base.

Marté’s injury compounds an already challenging situation for Cincinnati, as fellow infielders Jeimer Candelario and Christian Encarnacion-Strand are also sidelined. With their depth tested, the Reds will need creative solutions to weather the storm and remain competitive in the NL Central.

Spencer Steer seems poised to play a crucial role in filling the void. While Steer has spent much of the season at first base, he could potentially shift to third base, where his versatility lends itself well.

If Steer moves, Tyler Stephenson and Santiago Espinal could step in at first base, offering a workable—if not ideal—solution. Additionally, the Reds have recalled outfield prospect Rece Hinds to take Marté’s spot on the roster, signaling a potential willingness to shake up their lineup.

Meanwhile, utility player Gavin Lux could also be deployed at third base, providing another option as the team navigates its current depth concerns.

The decision to recall Rece Hinds adds intrigue to this roster shakeup. Though primarily an outfielder, Hinds’ dynamic athleticism and offensive potential make him a candidate to provide a spark during this challenging stretch.

While it remains to be seen how frequently Hinds will play, his presence underscores the Reds’ emphasis on utilizing their farm system to bolster the big-league team.

For the Reds, integrating younger players like Marté and Hinds into meaningful roles represents a balancing act between building for the future and staying competitive now.

Noelvi Marté’s early-season accomplishments are a reminder of the ups and downs of professional sports. His resurgence—sparked by hard work to rebound from his 2024 struggles—brought fresh hope to Reds fans eager to see him realize his potential as a franchise cornerstone.

Now, his unforeseen injury represents yet another test of his resilience and the Reds’ adaptability.

Time to Come Together

The Reds are at a crossroads. With key contributors on the injured list, their ability to compete in the NL Central hinges on how effectively they patch holes in their lineup.

Fans will watch closely, not only in hopes of winning games but also in anticipation of Marté’s eventual recovery. His return could help solidify the team’s future trajectory.

While oblique strains can be frustratingly slow to heal, Marté’s injury doesn’t erase the optimism surrounding his season.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Reds Place Noelvi Marté On IL With Oblique Strain