Arizona Diamondbacks' second baseman Ketel Marte was notably absent from the lineup during Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies, marking a strategic decision by the team's management. Marte, who had served as the designated hitter in the previous two matchups, was given a planned day off to rest, according to general manager Mike Hazen.
In the two games prior, the Diamondbacks faced tough competition, losing both encounters to the Phillies with scores of 2-1 on Monday and 7-1 on Tuesday. Despite the losses, Marte managed to reach base multiple times, including two singles and a walk. His performance was commendable, especially considering he was hit by a pitch during the sixth inning of Tuesday's game but continued to play without any visible issues.
Hazen discussed Marte's absence during an interview on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM's “Bickley & Marotta Mornings,” clarifying that the decision to rest Marte was premeditated and not a reaction to any injury concerns. With the Diamondbacks having a day off on Thursday, this provides Marte with additional time to recuperate before the team resumes action against the Houston Astros on Friday.
Marte's recent absence from the field has been a topic of discussion, especially following a controversial incident on August 17 when he was placed on the restricted list after missing a game without permission. This led to an MRI that revealed inflammation in his left knee, resulting in his placement on the 10-day injured list shortly thereafter. After receiving a knee injection, Marte returned to the team and expressed his remorse to teammates and management, particularly to manager Torey Lovullo, for the earlier absence.
As of now, Marte has been batting .251 this season, with a .317 on-base percentage, and has recorded 21 home runs and 67 RBIs. His contributions are critical as the Diamondbacks strive to secure a playoff spot. Currently, they sit at 73-67, trailing the San Diego Padres by just half a game for the final National League Wild Card position. The Phillies, on the other hand, are leading the Wild Card race with a record of 79-60, having won 15 of their last 17 games.
Lovullo remains optimistic about the team's performance as they head into the final stretch of the season. He emphasized the importance of playing their best baseball in September, stating, "It’s September. It’s the best time of the year." He also hinted that Marte could return to his defensive role at second base during the upcoming series against Houston, marking a significant step in his recovery.
In addition to Marte, the team is also monitoring right fielder Corbin Carroll, who is dealing with lower back discomfort but is expected to remain in the lineup. As the Diamondbacks look to bounce back from three consecutive losses, the health and performance of their key players will be crucial in the coming weeks.
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