Ketel Marte is slated to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 31, marking his first appearance since a mysterious two-week absence that has left teammates and management seeking explanations. The All-Star second baseman was placed on the restricted list after failing to appear for a game in Boston on August 17 and has since been moved to the 10-day injured list with inflammation in his left knee.
Manager Torey Lovullo expressed his hope for Marte's return, stating that the team is aiming for his comeback on August 31 against the Phillies in Arizona, which would coincide with the end of his 10-day injured list stint. "That's what we're thinking about," Lovullo told reporters Monday. "I think that will be the 10th day or the 11th day, so there is definitely a strategy to get him back on the field, get him healthy."
Details surrounding Marte's disappearance remain undisclosed. Reports indicate he has not yet addressed his teammates regarding the absence as the Diamondbacks contend for a playoff spot, currently trailing the San Diego Padres by two games for the final Wild Card position. Arizona Sports reported Friday that Marte was observed at a Scottsdale casino for an extended period while the Diamondbacks were playing the Cincinnati Reds.
Lovullo emphasized the team's intention to create a supportive environment for Marte upon his return. "We're trying to create the softest space for him to re-emerge back in this environment," Lovullo said. "That's up to him however he wants to do it. I cannot force a human being to do something that I want to do, or anybody in this room wants to do, or a fan wants to do. One of the things that makes Ketel such an extraordinary player is he goes to the beat of his own drum. I respect that."
The manager appealed to the fanbase to welcome Marte back without animosity. "Ketel is a very loving young man," Lovullo stated. "I don't want (booing) to happen. I understand it's a possibility it could happen, but we'll all rally around him."
Marte has played in 118 games this season, recording a .249 batting average, .314 on-base percentage, and .446 slugging percentage, with 21 home runs and 67 runs batted in.
This is not the first time Marte has been absent from the team under unusual circumstances. In 2025, he returned to the Dominican Republic and missed three games following a burglary at his home, an incident for which he later apologized to his teammates.