Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that second baseman Ketel Marte, who was placed on the 10‑day injured list Thursday because of left knee inflammation, is free to spend his off‑field time as he wishes. The confirmation came after multiple videos and photos surfaced showing Marte at a roulette table in the Talking Stick Resort casino in Phoenix while the Diamondbacks faced the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field.
Injury status and team expectations
Marte, a three‑time All‑Star, was moved to the injured list after an MRI revealed inflammation in his left knee. The team expects him to complete his rehabilitation at the club’s training complex, Salt River Fields, before using any personal free time. Lovullo told reporters after Arizona’s 9‑0 victory that the only requirement is for Marte to “wake up tomorrow morning, get his work done at Salt River and post,” emphasizing that the player’s health and recovery are the priority.
Recent controversy
The casino appearance reignited a controversy that began earlier this week when Marte failed to report to the ballpark for the Monday game against the Boston Red Sox. The absence left Lovullo without a confirmed lineup until 20 minutes before tip‑off, prompting the team to place Marte on the restricted list. He was later reinstated and transferred to the injured list.
Marte and his agent, Charisse Espinosa‑Dash, met with Lovllo and Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen on Thursday in Scottsdale to discuss the Monday incident. Hazen explained that Marte received a knee injection to address the inflammation identified by the MRI. Lovllo expressed frustration over the lack of communication, saying he felt “betrayed” and “hurt” by the situation.
Performance this season
Despite the recent drama, Marte remains a key contributor for Arizona. He is batting .249 with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs in 118 games. The switch‑hitter is in his 10th season with the Diamondbacks and finished third in National League MVP voting in 2024 and fourth in 2019. He was also the MVP of the 2023 NL Championship Series when Arizona advanced to the World Series.
Team standing
The Diamondbacks (68‑62) sit two games behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild‑card spot. With Marte’s health uncertain, the team will rely on depth at second base while continuing its push for postseason play.
Looking ahead
Lovllo reiterated that the club’s focus remains on winning games and supporting player recovery. As the season progresses, Arizona will monitor Marte’s rehabilitation schedule and determine when he can rejoin the active roster.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
