The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed second baseman Ketel Marte on the restricted list after he was absent from a scheduled road game against the Boston Red Sox on Monday night. This marks the second time in his career that Marte has been designated to the list, which is used for players under contract who are absent for personal, legal, or non-baseball reasons. Players on the restricted list are removed from the active roster and do not receive pay.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo stated that Marte had been dealing with a "personal matter" and was physically fine, but indicated that the decision to place him on the list stemmed from a lack of communication. "Very little [communication] this morning, this afternoon, I was just doing my best to reach out to him and there was very little coming back," Lovullo told reporters after the game.
Reports suggest Marte was seen at a hotel bar with a group on Sunday evening. While he posted on his Instagram story that he landed in Boston with the team Sunday, he did not arrive at Fenway Park for the game. Team general manager Mike Hazen confirmed that Marte was believed to be in Boston as of Monday night but could not provide a timeline for his return.
The team announced Marte's placement on the restricted list approximately 15 minutes before Monday's first pitch. Jose Fernandez was recalled from Triple-A Reno to fill Marte's roster spot.
Last season, Marte was placed on the restricted list after his home in Arizona was burglarized and an estimated $400,000 worth of goods were stolen. He is currently in the second year of a six-year, $105 million contract. This season, Marte has recorded 21 home runs and 67 RBIs with a .249 batting average and an .760 OPS.