Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, who left the team unannounced Monday, is dealing with a personal issue as well as a knee injury, his agent confirmed Wednesday through MLB Network.
While manager Torey Lovullo said he hoped to have Marte back before the end of the regular season, Marte’s agent, Charisse Espinosa-Dash, noted that the infielder is intent on getting back to his teammates.
“He is currently managing a personal matter and will be undergoing an MRI on his knee (Thursday),” Espinosa-Dash said. “Ketel appreciates the unwavering support from fans, teammates, the Diamondbacks organization, and Torey Lovullo during this time. He remains optimistic about his recovery and looks forward to returning to the field to contribute to the team as soon as possible.”
Marte failed to show up for Monday’s road game against the Boston Red Sox and on Tuesday, Lovullo said he was informed that Marte had returned to Phoenix for an MRI to address left knee soreness.
Lovullo said he had been unable to speak to Marte despite repeated attempts. Arizona shortstop Geraldo Perdomo said he finally heard from Marte on Tuesday and confirmed that his teammate was set to undergo an MRI.
Marte, 32, exited Friday’s game against the Atlanta Braves with knee soreness and sat out Saturday night. He returned to play second base on Sunday and traveled with the team for the series against the Red Sox.
When Marte didn’t show at Fenway Park on Monday, Arizona placed him on the restricted list.
Lovullo said he did not know why Marte elected to return to Arizona on his own instead of having an MRI in Boston.
Marte is batting just .249 this season with 21 homers and 67 RBIs in 118 games. The three-time All-Star is in his 10th season with Arizona and finished third in National League MVP voting in 2024 and fourth in 2019.
Marte was MVP of the 2023 NL Championship Series when Arizona defeated the Philadelphia Phillies and advanced to the World Series before falling to the Texas Rangers.
