Ketel Marte apologizes for missed game, manager says absence not unprecedented
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte said he failed manager Torey Lovullo by missing a game on Aug. 17, while the manager noted the incident was not the first time the player has been absent without explanation.
Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte addressed reporters before his team’s home game against the Philadelphia Phillies, acknowledging that he let manager Torey Lovullo down by not appearing for the Aug. 17 game at Fenway Park. Through an interpreter, Marte said he woke up with body pain and chose not to play, adding that he prefers not to discuss personal matters publicly. He returned to the lineup after being activated from the injured list and went 1-for-3 with a walk in the Diamondbacks’ 2-1 loss to the Phillies.
Marte declined to offer a detailed explanation for his absence, stating he was “very well” physically and mentally and that he intended to speak directly to his teammates. He also confirmed that he had visited an Arizona casino while on the restricted list, describing the outing as a personal activity.
Lovullo told reporters that Marte’s missed game was not his first unexplained absence, citing a previous mid-season departure to the Dominican Republic and a 2023 no-show against the New York Yankees. The manager said he cannot guarantee the player will not miss future games, but expressed confidence that Marte is working on his personal issues and intends to stay present for the remainder of the playoff race.
The Diamondbacks, positioned a half-game behind the San Diego Padres for the National League wild-card spot, continue to rely on Marte’s production. The three-time All-Star, who posted a .278 career batting average and has recorded 20 or more home runs for four straight seasons, remains a key figure in Arizona’s lineup as the team pushes toward the postseason.