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Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte has been suspended 80 games by MLB for the use of PEDs.
Pirates OF Starling Marte suspended 80 games without pay after testing positive for Nandrolone, a performance-enhancing substance.
— MLB (@MLB) April 18, 2017
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.