Marte’s go-ahead homer lifts Reds over Pirates

Marte performed poorly in his two-and-a-half month stint back in the big leagues with a .189/.229/.321 slash line through 201 plate appearances. What started out as a near full-time role drifting into a part-time one over the last few weeks as Marte ceded playing time to the newly promoted Hector Rodríguez. In a corresponding move, the Reds promoted Will Banfield to be the third catcher on their roster. Marte’s stock has fallen dramatically over the last few years and he shouldn’t be considered much more than organizational depth at this point. He could really use a change of scenery.

The 22-year-old outfielder had started each of the team’s previous four games, so he’ll get a breather to accommodate a crowded outfield mix in Cincinnati. He’s just 2-for-23 (.087) with a 6/3 K/BB ratio in his first 26 plate appearances with the Reds. Noelvi Marte will start in his place in right field and bat eighth against Sandy Alcantara and the Marlins on Friday night.

Cincinnati failed to resolve their crowded outfield situation at the trade deadline earlier this week, but made the decision to promote Rodríguez anyway. The dynamic 22-year-old went 0-for-2 with a walk and scored a run against the Athletics in his big-league debut on Tuesday night. He possesses a fantasy-relevant skillset and is worthy of a speculative roster spot in deeper mixed leagues. The big question is whether he’s able to carve out an everyday role over the next few weeks with JJ Bleday, Noelvi Marte, Dane Myers and TJ Friedl still in the mix.

At this point, it’s pretty clear that Friedl has been supplanted by Noelvi Marte in the team’s starting lineup, as Friedl has started just once in the team’s last six games despite facing five right-handers during that stretch. It’s Marte in right field once again and batting eighth for the Reds on Friday evening against Pirates’ ace Paul Skenes.

Marte had one nice liner tonight, but it was caught in center. He’s just not making very good contact for the most part, with a 27.6 percent hard-hit rate that’s down from 38 percent for his career. Given that the Reds didn’t seem to think much of him even at the start of the season, when there was more reason for optimism, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him traded at the deadline, even if he’s probably not someone contenders would pursue.

Steer receives a breather after being hit by a pitch in the ribs during Monday’s contest. It doesn’t sound like a significant concern. It’ll be Noelvi Marte taking over in right field. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day heading into Wednesday’s series finale in Seattle.

Benson is hitting just .188/.310/.333 in 114 plate appearances this season with a 33.3 percent strikeout rate. Now 28 years old and with a 33.3 percent career MLB strikeout rate in 405 games, you have to wonder if Benson’s time in Cincinnati may be drawing to a close. Noelvi Marte could also be pushed off of right field if the Reds want to play Spencer Steer out there with Elly De La Cruz back.

Marte only started three of six games for the Reds after being called up on June 3, but he’s now been in the lineup for four straight contests. One would figure he’ll continue to get everyday at-bats amid this hot streak, but the former top prospect has yet to establish himself as a consistent big-league regular. Marte has a 155 wRC+ at Triple-A this season, so he has nothing more to prove in the minors. His roto-friendly profile will receive a boost from hitting in Cincinnati all summer if he can stick as a regular this time around.

With the game tied 1-1 in the eighth inning, Marte came through for the Reds in a big way, taking Juan Morillo deep for a solo homer. It would prove to be the deciding run in the game. That makes two homers in two days for the 24-year-old outfielder, his first two of the season. He’s certainly worth a look in all formats if he’s earned himself every day playing time with his recent play.

Arroyo moves up to the leadoff spot with Noelvi Marte taking over in center field with Blake Dunn receiving an off day in this one. The 22-year-old top prospect has hit just .227 (5-for-22) with one RBI in 10 games since being called up from Triple-A Louisville earlier this month. His opportunity to carve out a permanent spot on Cincinnati’s roster, likely as their primary second base option, is fading quickly with Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) progressing towards a minor league rehab assignment.