Arizona Diamondbacks player Ketel Marte rejoined his team on Monday after a two-week absence, resuming his role as the designated hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies. Despite leaving without permission, the team inserted him back into the cleanup spot.
“I’m going to stand in front of my teammates like a man,” Marte stated, expressing his intention to seek forgiveness. “We’re human, we all commit mistakes.”
Marte had walked away from the team during their series in Boston on August 17, leading to his placement on the restricted list initially for knee inflammation. He accepted full responsibility for not showing up.
Marte described his absence as “a moment of frustration,” acknowledging that he acted independently. He admitted, “I get along really well with Torey, and in that instance I failed him by not showing up,” referring to manager Torey Lovullo.
This incident was not unprecedented. Lovullo confirmed it’s the fourth consecutive season Marte has missed a game without team authorization. If such behavior occurred in other professions, consequences would likely be severe. However, in Major League Baseball, it seems less consequential as evidenced by Marte’s swift reinsertion into the lineup.
While on the injured list, videos emerged of Marte playing roulette at Talking Stick Casino, Scottsdale, during a home game. Marte dismissed criticism, stating, “I’ve been injured before, those are things that I do in my personal time.” When asked if he had a message for Arizona fans, Marte remained silent, offering only a shake of his head.
At 73-65 and competing for a Wild Card spot, the Diamondbacks are in a critical phase. Despite the controversy, they need Marte’s batting skills—his .249 average and 21 home runs are crucial for their success. With a contract locked through 2031 and full no-trade protection, Marte’s position remains strong within the organization.
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