Blue Jays' Orelvis Martinez: Returns from suspension, optioned
Rotowire
The Blue Jays reinstated Martinez from his 80-game suspension Monday and optioned him to the rookie-level Florida Complex League.
Martinez was handed an 80-game ban in June for violating MLB's performance-enhancing drugs policy and began a rehab assignment Sept. 6 at Triple-A Buffalo. With Buffalo's season ending Sunday and the Blue Jays not eager to open up a spot for him on the active roster for the final week of the season, Martinez will head to Toronto's spring training complex in Florida for additional work. Despite the suspension presenting a bump in the road in his development, the 22-year-old performed well in 74 games at Triple-A Buffalo this season, batting .267 with 17 home runs and 49 RBI. Martinez should get every opportunity in the spring to compete for a spot on Toronto's Opening Day roster.
Blue Jays' Orelvis Martinez: Resumes playing in minors
Rotowire
Martinez (suspension) began a minor-league assignment Sept. 6 with Triple-A Buffalo and has gone 7-for-24 with a home run, a triple, three doubles, three walks, three RBI and three runs through his first six games.
Martinez was eligible to begin the assignment 15 days before he's eligible to be reinstated from his 80-game suspension Monday. After receiving a promotion from Triple-A, Martinez made his MLB debut June 21 but was suspended two days later for violating baseball's performance-enhancing drugs policy. According to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca, Martinez won't return to the Blue Jays' 28-man active roster this season, so expect Toronto to add him back to the 40-man roster but immediately option him to Triple-A once his suspension lapses.
Blue Jays' Orelvis Martinez: Suspended 80 games for PED use
Rotowire
Major League Baseball announced Sunday that Martinez has been suspended for 80 games for violating the league's drug prevention and treatment program, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.
Two days after making his major-league debut against the Guardians, Martinez was dealt the 80-game ban for testing positive for clomiphene, a fertility drug on the league's banned substance list. In a statement following Martinez's suspension, Toronto general manager Ross Atkins fully supported the league's suspension of the 22-year-old prospect and said that the Blue Jays "will do everything in our power to ensure [Martinez] has learned from this mistake," per Davidi. The suspension will keep Martinez out of action until the tail end of the season, with a possible return date of Sept. 23 lining up with the start of the Blue Jays' penultimate series of the season against the Red Sox.
Blue Jays' Orelvis Martinez: Picks up first big-league hit
Rotowire
Martinez went 1-for-3 in Friday's loss to the Guardians.
Getting his first career MLB start while batting eighth as the second baseman, Martinez poked a single up the middle to lead off the sixth inning for his first career hit, but the rest the Toronto offense failed to bring him around to score. The 22-year-old also committed his first career error, and defense remains the biggest obstacle between him and a regular spot in the lineup. Martinez seems likely to head back to Triple-A Buffalo once Bo Bichette (calf) gets healthy, but if the Blue Jays become sellers at the trade deadline, a permanent spot could open up in the majors for the top prospect.
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Blue Jays' Orelvis Martinez: Making first start Friday
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Martinez will start at second base and bat eighth in Friday's game versus the Guardians.
It will be the first major-league start for Martinez, who was on the bench for two straight contests following his promotion. The 22-year-old is one of the better power-hitting prospects in baseball, but he does struggle to make contact and isn't regarded as a great defender. Getting him playing time does not appear to be a priority for the Blue Jays during this stint, but he will have a chance to show what he can do Friday.
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Blue Jays' Orelvis Martinez: Absent from lineup again
Rotowire
Martinez is not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Red Sox.
Martinez didn't play Tuesday in his first game after receiving a promotion and he will begin Wednesday's tilt on the bench, as well. It's not a good sign for the youngster's playing time outlook during his first stint in the big leagues. The Blue Jays have Spencer Horwitz at second base, Addison Barger at third base and Isiah Kiner-Falefa at shortstop Wednesday.
Blue Jays' Orelvis Martinez: Called up to big leagues
Rotowire
The Blue Jays recalled Martinez from Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday.
Martinez is taking the roster spot vacated by Bo Bichette (calf), who has landed on the 10-day injured list. It's the first major-league promotion for Martinez, who has slashed .260/.343/.523 with 16 home runs over 63 games this season with Buffalo. The 22-year-old can play second base, third base and shortstop, although he hasn't seen any time at the latter position this season. Martinez should see some action at second and/or third base while Bichette is out, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa likely to settle in at shortstop.
