The Arizona Diamondbacks are navigating a crucial stretch in their pursuit of a National League Wild Card spot, but their efforts are being complicated by the unexplained absence of infielder Ketel Marte.
Marte, a key player for the Diamondbacks who leads the team with 21 home runs this season, did not report for a game against the Boston Red Sox earlier this week. Manager Torey Lovullo stated he had limited communication with Marte and was unsure of his whereabouts, noting that the infielder was placed on the restricted list approximately 20 minutes before game time.
"It's been a crazy day. All I know is he's dealing with a personal issue," Lovullo said after the game. "We're trying to figure that out. He didn't show up today, and he was put on the restricted list. That's as much as I know right now."
Lovullo also expressed uncertainty about whether Marte was even in Boston. The situation grew more convoluted when it was reported that Marte would be returning to Phoenix to undergo an MRI for an undisclosed knee injury. Lovullo indicated that the team's medical staff was not involved in these initial steps, stating, "I think he's headed back to Phoenix to get some exams done on his left knee."
Marte's agent, Charisse Espinosa-Dash, released a statement confirming that Marte is managing a "personal matter" and will have an MRI on his knee. The statement also conveyed Marte's appreciation for the support he has received and his optimism for a return.
This is not the first time Marte has been absent under unusual circumstances. In 2025, he missed three games after the All-Star break, reportedly returning to the Dominican Republic due to a home burglary. While the team has acknowledged past requests for time off, the current situation marks a departure due to his unannounced absence from the ballpark.
Teammate Geraldo Perdomo mentioned that Marte had been experiencing knee discomfort since mid-July and that he had communicated with Marte about it. Perdomo also noted that Marte had not responded to his initial text inquiring about his absence from the game.
The Diamondbacks, currently 1.5 games out of the final National League Wild Card position, are set to play the San Diego Padres in a pivotal series to conclude the season. The uncertainty surrounding Marte's return adds a layer of complexity to the team's postseason aspirations.