Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo described his feelings of betrayal after star player Ketel Marte was absent from a game against the Boston Red Sox and later reportedly visited a casino. Marte was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday with left knee inflammation.
Lovullo stated he was initially dealing with a personal issue before the injury was revealed. Team CEO Derrick Hall characterized the situation as a "complete mystery" and "bizarre." Marte was not present in the clubhouse Friday but was reportedly seen at the Talking Stick Resort casino for four hours while his team played the Cincinnati Reds, according to Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro. John Gambadoro noted the player's casino visit was not illegal but questioned the timing given the team's playoff push and Marte's supposed injury.
Despite the circumstances, Lovullo indicated he has moved past the initial frustration. "I felt betrayed. And that’s a whole different type of pain and frustration. But I’m through that," Lovullo told reporters Friday night. He added that Marte is free to do as he pleases as long as he fulfills his rehabilitation work, which Marte did earlier Friday at the team's spring training facility.
Marte received an injection for his left knee inflammation, with the team hoping for his return in at least 10 days. Lovullo acknowledged that the situation could have been handled better by both the team and Marte.
The Diamondbacks are currently in a tight race for a playoff spot, sitting one game behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild-card position with 34 games remaining. Marte has been a significant contributor to the team's performance this season, batting .249 with 21 home runs, 67 RBIs, and an .893 OPS. Lovullo expressed a desire to focus on managing the team's games rather than addressing off-field drama. "I want to manage baseball games... I don’t love the drama that follows this ballclub. I want to be a good baseball team and we’ve got to figure this out," he said.