Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo became visibly emotional when discussing star player Ketel Marte's unexpected absence from a game against the Boston Red Sox on Monday night. Marte did not show up for the game, leading to his placement on the restricted list, which does not impact his pay.
Lovullo stated that Marte is dealing with a "personal issue" and that he communicated "very little" with the player. "I just love for him and care for him, he'll be OK," Lovullo said after the team's 11-1 loss. He indicated that he had some awareness of the situation upon waking up and believed Marte was still in Boston, though he was uncertain.
Arizona waited until approximately 15 minutes before first pitch to announce Marte's status on X. This marks the first time Marte has not appeared for a scheduled game. According to The Arizona Republic, Marte is physically well.
Last season, Marte was placed on the restricted list after his home was robbed while he was on a trip to the Dominican Republic. He missed three games following that incident, and some teammates were reportedly unhappy with how he managed the situation.
Despite the circumstances, the Diamondbacks experienced their most significant loss in the second half of the season against the Red Sox. Lovullo acknowledged the challenges managers and coaches face, noting that while disappointment can occur, the team will work through the situation. He added that the players are resilient and care for one another, and once they knew Marte was okay, the team was able to focus on the game.
Lovullo did not offer details about Marte's future availability, emphasizing his concern for the player. Marte, 32, has a .249 batting average with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs this season. The Diamondbacks have two more games in Boston before returning home to play the Cincinnati Reds.
"I haven't got that far," Lovullo said, per the Associated Press, when asked about what happens next. "I need a good night's rest, a glass of wine and we'll think about that."