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Pirates Starling Marte suspended 80 games

What does this mean for his fantasy value?

The Pittsuburgh Pirates and fantasy owners will have to wait 80 games before seeing Starling Marte back in uniform.
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte has been suspended 80 games by MLB for the use of PEDs.

The suspension will become effective immediately and will also make Marte ineligible for the playoffs should the Pirates make it.

This is a huge blow to fantasy owners of Marte. The superstar outfielder was the #25 player for fantasy baseball in 2016 and was drafted as high as top 20 in some drafts. Owners will have to hold tight for now and play the waiting game. This is all too familiar news for those who owned Dee Gordon last season. Stash Marte for now if you can and look to your bench or the waiver wire for replacements.

Replacements for Starling Marte

Player ESPN Yahoo! CBS
Player ESPN Yahoo! CBS
Aaron Judge 56.50% 63% 82%
Avisail Garcia 41.20% 49% 52%
Ender Inciarte 59.50% 50% 64%
Corey Dickerson 36.50% 39% 51%
Max Kepler 30.20% 30% 46%
Steven Souza Jr. 38.70% 23% 56%
Jarrod Dyson 18.20% 23% 45%
Domingo Santana 18.50% 27% 36%
Michael Conforto 15.90% 19% 37%
Aaron Hicks 4.80% 5% 6%

The Pirates recalled 1B/OF Jose Osuna to replace Marte on the major league roster. Osuna hit well during Spring Training (.407/.492/.759 with 5HR). The Pirates will most likely just use Adam Frazier more often but Osuna could see a decent share of playing time if he produces early and often. This news does raise speculation that highly touted prospect Austin Meadows could reach the majors sooner rather than later. For Meadows owners and supporters, this is a step in the right direction towards him putting on a Pirates uniform.