Diamondbacks aim to have Ketel Marte back on roster by end of August

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said the team expects second baseman Ketel Marte to be back in the lineup for the Aug. 31 game against the Philadelphia Phillies, after the player missed a game in Boston and was later placed on the 10-day injured list with left-knee inflammation.

Marte was initially put on the restricted list after failing to appear for the Aug. 17 contest versus Boston and has not publicly explained the disappearance, which occurred while the Diamondbacks were pursuing a Wild Card spot.

"We’re trying to create the softest space for him to re-emerge back in this environment," Lovullo told reporters, adding that the decision ultimately rests with Marte.

"One of the things that makes Ketel such an extraordinary player is he goes to the beat of his own drum. I respect that," he said.

Lovullo also appealed to fans not to boo the player when he returns, emphasizing that Marte is a “very loving young man” and asking for a supportive atmosphere.

Marte has posted a .249/.314/.446 slash line with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs over 118 games this season. He previously missed games in 2025 after a burglary at his home in the Dominican Republic, for which he later apologized to teammates.