PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks are planning to have three‑time All‑Star second baseman Ketel Marte back in the lineup for the home series that opens on Aug. 31 against the Philadelphia Phillies. The announcement came from manager Torey Lovullo on Monday, roughly two weeks after Marte vanished from the team before a game in Boston.
Return timeline and health status
Marte was initially placed on the restricted list when he failed to appear for the Boston game. The club later moved him to the 10‑day injured list, citing mild inflammation in his left knee. Lovullo indicated that the team expects the ten‑day or eleventh‑day mark to be reached, allowing Marte to be activated and take the field.
According to the manager, Marte began taking batting practice on Monday at the Diamondbacks’ training facility in Scottsdale. Hitting coach Joe Mather said he was encouraged by the veteran’s progress in the cage, noting that the player looked “healthy enough” to resume regular work.
Background on the disappearance
This is the second consecutive season Marte has left the club without prior notice. In 2025, he was placed on the restricted list after his Phoenix home was broken into during the All‑Star break. He flew back to the Dominican Republic, missed three games, and later issued an apology to teammates and fans.
Lovullo described Marte as a private individual who prefers to address personal matters on his own terms. “We’re trying to create the softest space for him to re‑emerge back in this environment,” the manager said. “One of the things that makes Ketel such an extraordinary player is he goes to the beat of his own drum. I respect that.”
Team standing and fan reaction
When the news broke, the Diamondbacks were sitting 69‑62, two games behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild‑card spot. The team’s playoff hopes hinge on a strong finish, and Marte’s return could provide a timely boost to both offense and defense.
Lovullo also addressed concerns that fans might react negatively to Marte’s comeback. “Ketel is a very loving young man,” he said. “I don’t want booing to happen. I understand it’s a possibility, but we’ll all rally around him.”
Looking ahead
The Diamondbacks will host the Phillies for a three‑game series at Chase Field, followed by a road trip to the Midwest. If Marte is cleared to play, he will likely slot back into the everyday second‑base role, giving Arizona a stronger chance to clinch a postseason berth.
For now, the focus remains on his health, his willingness to speak with teammates, and the team’s ability to maintain momentum in a tight wild‑card race.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
