Reds prospect Noelvi Marte gets 80-game ban after MLB says he tested positive for an anabolic steroid: Shortstop, 22, ranks among the most promising young players in baseball

Cincinnati Reds prospect Noelvi Marte has been suspended 80 games for a performance-enhancing drug violation, according to Major League Baseball.

The 22-year-old shortstop tested positive for Boldenone, an anabolic steroid, according to MLB.

Marte, a native of the Dominican Republic, is one of several promising young infielders for a Reds team that hopes to reach the postseason for just the second time since 2013.

Boldenone is a synthetic compound that is 'nearly identical to testosterone,' according to the USADA. Unlike many banned substances, there is no therapeutic-use exemption for boldenone, meaning Marte cannot avoid his punishment by claiming to have a prescription from a licensed doctor.

The anabolic androgenic steroid is known to cause decreased testosterone production in men and can harm the reproductive system.

Reds SS Noelvi Marte is suspended 80 games for a performance-enhancing drug violation

Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte fields a groundball during spring training workouts

'The Reds fully support Major League Baseball's drug policy and its penalties,' read a team statement. 'We will have no further comment.'

Ranked as the top prospect in the Reds' farm system by MLB.com, Marte came up playing shortstop but as also moonlighted at third base since being acquired in a 2022 deal from Seattle for pitcher Luis Castillo.

Marte played well at both Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville last season, hitting .279 with a .358 on-base percentage.

He was called up in September and did not disappoint, batting .316 over 35 games with a .366 on-base percentage.

Marte also showed some pop, hitting three home runs and seven doubles over 114 at-bats.

One issue facing Marte is his habit of striking out. He had 25 Ks with Cincinnati in 2023 compared to just eight walks.