The Cincinnati Reds welcomed back two key players on a bustling Friday morning at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, activating third baseman Noelvi Marte and reliever Graham Ashcraft from the injured list. This move comes just in time as the Reds prepare to face the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-game series starting July 4, 2025.
Marte, 23, had been sidelined since May 5 due to a left oblique strain, missing two crucial months of the season. Before his injury, he was making a strong impression at the plate, hitting .294 with three home runs and 17 RBIs across 19 games. His return is a significant boost for the Reds’ lineup, which has been eager to regain the offensive spark he provided.
During his rehab stint, Marte showcased his readiness by batting .333 with a 1.059 OPS and two home runs over nine games across various minor league levels, including the Arizona Complex League, Double-A Chattanooga, and Triple-A Louisville. Reds manager Terry Francona praised Marte’s dedication and mental toughness throughout his recovery process. "He had to be patient for a long while but once he was able to take the shackles off, he kind of got after it and did a good job," Francona said. "The thing I was happiest about was that he was given nothing. He was told that early in spring training. A good spring work-wise. Got sent down. Continued to have a good work ethic. Went to Triple-A and just kind of knocked the ball all over the place. When he came up with us, he was in a really good spot and continued that... It'll be nice to have him back."
Marte himself expressed confidence about his return and health, saying through interpreter Tomas Vera, "Thank God. I feel really great. I really feel well and I went down and they said, 'you gotta do this' and I did what they told me to do and all I want to do is come back and help the team. Pick up the way I was? I mean, I don't know that. I mean, it's a God-willing thing but I feel confident in myself."
On the pitching front, Graham Ashcraft, who had been out since June 16 with a right groin strain, was also activated. Ashcraft had been preparing to throw in a bullpen session in Philadelphia as a final step before his return, but Reds manager Francona indicated that the bullpen session was deemed unnecessary. "He's healthy. I think it's OK," Francona noted.
This season marks Ashcraft’s first as a reliever after spending three years in the Reds’ starting rotation. Before his injury, he posted a 5-4 record with a 4.19 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 29 appearances. His return adds depth and experience to the Reds’ bullpen, which has been vital in late-inning situations.
In corresponding roster moves, utility man Ryan Vilade and right-handed pitcher Sam Benschoter were optioned to Triple-A Louisville to make room for Marte and Ashcraft on the active roster.
The Reds are set to face the Philadelphia Phillies in a pivotal three-game series from July 4 through July 6 at Citizens Bank Park. The series opener on Friday features Andrew Abbott taking the mound for Cincinnati, aiming to set the tone for the weekend showdown.
The return of Marte and Ashcraft could not be timelier as the Reds look to gain momentum heading into the second half of the season. Marte’s offensive prowess and Ashcraft’s bullpen reliability have been missed, and their activation signals a renewed push to improve the team’s standing in the National League Central Division.
Marte’s journey back to the majors has been marked by resilience and steady progress. After the initial diagnosis of a grade two oblique strain, he embraced a patient and positive mindset. "Mentally, I told myself, I have to be patient. I know this is going to require time. As soon as I started feeling better, started doing the exercises and I felt like I was getting OK, I started to push myself up like I have," Marte said via translator Tomas Vera. "I stayed positive the whole time. When the injury happened, I felt like, 'OK, don't worry. This is going to be fine. And by the time I get back, it will be all right to go.'"
Marte had opened the 2025 season in Louisville but quickly earned his way back to the major league roster with consistent hitting and a solid .857 OPS. His ability to perform at the plate has been a bright spot for the Reds, and his return could provide a much-needed spark to the lineup.
Meanwhile, Ashcraft’s transition from starter to reliever has been a notable storyline this season. His 5-4 record and 4.19 ERA demonstrate his adaptability and value in the bullpen. The Reds’ staff and fans alike will be eager to see him back on the mound, providing late-inning stability and strikeout potential.
The Reds’ management and coaching staff have underscored the importance of these activations. Francona’s remarks highlight the players’ work ethic and readiness, emphasizing that both Marte and Ashcraft have earned their spots back through determination and performance.
As the Reds embark on their series against the Phillies, the team is hopeful that these returns will translate into on-field success. The Phillies, a formidable opponent, will test the Reds’ renewed lineup and bullpen depth. The series promises to be a competitive and exciting chapter in the Reds’ 2025 campaign.
In summary, the activation of Noelvi Marte and Graham Ashcraft marks a significant moment for the Cincinnati Reds. Both players bring valuable skills and experience that could influence the team’s trajectory in the coming weeks. With the Reds facing a challenging stretch of games, the return of these key contributors is a welcome development that may help propel the team forward.
