Diamondbacks Star Ketel Marte Expected Back Next Week After Unexplained Absence

The Arizona Diamondbacks anticipate three-time All-Star Ketel Marte will rejoin the lineup next week, approximately two weeks after his unexplained disappearance before a game in Boston left the organization scrambling during a critical playoff push.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Monday the team plans for Marte to return for a home series against the Philadelphia Phillies beginning Aug. 31. The second baseman, who signed a six-year, $116.5 million contract extension in April 2025, was initially placed on the restricted list following his absence but was later moved to the 10-day injured list with mild inflammation in his left knee.

Under MLB rules, players on the restricted list do not count against the 40-man roster, receive no salary, and earn no service time during their absence.

Recovery Progress

Marte began taking batting practice Monday at the team's Scottsdale facility, with hitting coach Joe Mather reporting encouraging progress from the veteran infielder.

The 32-year-old Marte has not addressed his teammates about his departure from the team mid-season. The Diamondbacks entered Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs with a 69-62 record, sitting two games behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild-card position.

Pattern of Absences

This marks the second consecutive season Marte has left the team unexpectedly. Last year, he was placed on the restricted list after his Arizona home was burglarized during the All-Star break. That incident was part of a broader pattern, with the FBI warning in December 2024 that South American organized crime groups were using social media to track professional athletes' whereabouts and target their homes. Marte flew to his home in the Dominican Republic and missed three games before later apologizing for his absence.

During last year's incident, some teammates expressed frustration over Marte's absences and off-day requests amid a playoff race, though Marte subsequently apologized and explained he was frustrated and in a difficult situation following the burglary.

Elite Performance

Marte's value to Arizona cannot be overstated. He won the National League Championship Series MVP in 2023, hitting .387 against the Phillies as the Diamondbacks reached the World Series for the first time since 2001. He holds a Major League postseason record with a 20-game hitting streak dating to 2017, surpassing the previous 17-game marks.

The second baseman finished third in NL MVP voting in 2024 after posting career highs with 36 home runs and 95 RBIs while batting .292. He also placed fourth in MVP voting in 2019. Most recently, Marte earned his second consecutive Silver Slugger award in 2025 and was named first-team All-MLB for the second straight year after finishing the season with a .283/.376/.517 slash line, 28 home runs, and 4.4 WAR in 126 games.

Managing the Return

Lovullo acknowledged Marte's private nature and said the team would allow him to determine the appropriate time to address his teammates upon his return.

We're trying to create the softest space for him to re-emerge back in this environment. 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.

The manager also addressed concerns about potential negative fan reaction when Marte returns to the field.