Diamondbacks move Ketel Marte to injured list as playoff push falters
The three-time All-Star’s absence complicates Arizona’s bid for a National League wild-card spot, following a period of uncertainty regarding his left knee.
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte has been placed on the 10-day injured list, a move confirmed by general manager Mike Hazen on Thursday. The decision follows Marte’s failure to report for a game in Boston three days prior, marking a significant disruption to the team’s current season.
Hazen stated that Marte will return to the roster once he is deemed healthy. The three-time All-Star travelled back to Phoenix on Tuesday to undergo tests on his left knee, though the specific nature and severity of the injury have not yet been detailed by the club.
Manager Torey Lovullo noted that he has struggled to obtain information from Marte throughout the process. This lack of clarity adds to the uncertainty surrounding the veteran slugger’s availability, with no specific timeline provided for his return beyond the standard 10-day minimum.
The absence presents a tactical challenge for the Diamondbacks, who are currently fighting to secure a playoff berth for the first time since their run to the World Series in 2023. Arizona holds a 67-61 record and trails the San Diego Padres by one game for the final National League wild-card spot.
Marte has contributed a .249 batting average, 21 home runs, and 67 runs batted in this season. His absence therefore removes a key offensive contributor at a critical juncture in the competition for the remaining post-season slots.
This is not the first recent instance of Marte’s availability being in question. Last season, he was placed on the restricted list after his home in Arizona was broken into during the All-Star break. He subsequently missed three games after travelling to the Dominican Republic and later apologised for the absence.
