D-backs hoping Marte returns to lineup next week

August 25, 2026 No Comments

Diamondbacks hoping Ketel Marte returns to lineup next weekAssociated PressMultiple AuthorsAug 24, 2026, 08:09 PM ET

PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks say they hope three-time All-Star Ketel Marte will return to their lineup next week, roughly two weeks after his unexpected disappearance from the team before a game in Boston.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo reported Monday the team’s plan is for the second baseman to return for a home series against the Philadelphia Phillies, which starts on Aug. 31. Marte was initially put on the restricted list after his disappearance, but then moved to the 10-day injured list because of mild inflammation in his left knee.

“That’s what we’re thinking about,” Lovullo reported. “I think that will be the 10th day or the 11th day, so there is definitely a strategy to get him back on the field, get him healthy.”

Lovullo reported Marte started taking batting practice Monday at the team’s facility in Scottsdale and hitting coach Joe Mather was encouraged by the veteran’s progress.

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The 32-year-old Marte still hasn’t addressed his teammates about why he left them in the middle of a playoff race. The D-backs came into Monday’s game against the Chicago Cubs with a 69-62 record, two games behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild-card spot.

It’s the second straight year Marte has gone AWOL from the team. Last season, he was put on the restricted list when his home in Arizona was broken into during the All-Star break. He missed three games after flying back to his home in the Dominican Republic and later apologized for his absence.

Lovullo reported Marte is very private and the team would figure out the right time for him to address his teammates.

“We’re trying to create the softest space for him to reemerge back in this environment,” Lovullo reported. “That’s up to him however he wants to do it. I cannot force a human being to do something that I want to do, or anybody in this room wants to do, or a fan wants to do.

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

Lovullo also addressed the concern that Marte might receive a less-than-warm reception from D-backs fans when he returns.

“Ketel is a very loving young man,” Lovullo reported. “I don’t want [booing] to happen. I understand it’s a possibility it could happen, but we’ll all rally around him.”