Diamondbacks manager says he felt betrayed after Ketel Marte was seen at a casino while on injured list

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he felt "betrayed" after outfielder Ketel Marte was absent from the team and later seen at a casino while on the injured list. Marte, a three-time All-Star, missed the team's game at Fenway Park on Monday and was placed on the 10-day injured list with left-knee inflammation on Thursday.

Lovullo told reporters that his frustration stemmed from the situation, but he emphasized that he expects Marte to complete his rehabilitation at the team's spring-training facility. "He's free to do whatever he wants. That's how I look at it," he said, adding that the priority is for Marte to resume his rehab work at Salt River Fields.

Team CEO Derrick Hall described Marte’s disappearance as a "complete mystery" and "bizarre," while general manager Mike Hazen and Lovullo had initially indicated the player was dealing with a personal issue. According to Arizona Sports, Marte was observed at the Talking Stick Resort casino for several hours on Friday, though he was not in the clubhouse.

Marte received an injection for his knee inflammation and is expected to be eligible to return after the minimum ten-day period. The Diamondbacks, a game behind the Padres for the National League wild-card spot with 34 games remaining, rely on Marte’s production, which this season includes a .249 batting average, 21 home runs and 67 RBIs.