Diamondbacks place Marte on restricted list after failure to report to Boston

The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed second baseman Ketel Marte on the restricted list following his failure to report to Fenway Park for Monday’s game against the Boston Red Sox. The club announced the move on Monday night, confirming that Marte, who had travelled with the team to Boston, did not appear for the scheduled contest.

According to reports from the Arizona Republic, Marte is physically well. The restricted list is utilised by Major League Baseball for players absent for unexcused, personal, or non-baseball reasons. While on this list, players do not receive salary and do not accrue MLB service time until they return to the active roster.

In a corresponding roster adjustment, the Diamondbacks recalled infielder Jose Fernandez from Triple-A. Fernandez was already in Boston, having been carried on the roster in anticipation that third baseman Nolan Arenado might require placement on the injured list. Manager Torey Lovullo named Fernandez to the starting lineup to replace Marte.

The incident mirrors a similar event one year ago, when Marte publicly apologised for being away from the team following the 2025 All-Star break. That absence followed a burglary at his home, and some teammates later expressed frustration regarding his absences and off-day requests during the previous playoff race.

Marte, 32, is a three-time All-Star under a six-year, $105 million contract with Arizona that runs through 2030, with a player option for 2031. He ranks third on the Diamondbacks’ all-time franchise wins above replacement (WAR) leaderboard with 34.9 WAR. The move comes as the Diamondbacks, holding a 66-59 record, sit one game behind the San Diego Padres for the third and final National League wild-card spot.