Marte admits missing game, says he let Diamondbacks manager down
Ketel Marte told reporters he failed to appear for the August 17 game and apologized to manager Torey Lovullo as he rejoined the Diamondbacks lineup.
Speaking through an interpreter before Monday’s home game, Ketel Marte admitted his failure to show up for the Aug. 17 contest in Boston, calling it a personal frustration he kept private. He said his body hurt that morning and he chose not to travel, acknowledging the impact on manager Torey Lovullo. The Diamondbacks had placed him on the restricted list before moving him to the injured list with knee inflammation.
Marte referenced a recent trip to an Arizona casino, noting it was a personal activity unrelated to the team. Lovullo confirmed this wasn’t Marte’s first unexplained absence, citing a 2025 midseason trip and a 2023 Yankees series no-show, and declined to promise it won’t happen again. The team, amid a tight wild-card race, hopes Marte’s return stabilizes the lineup.
Why it matters
Marte’s absence and return affect the Diamondbacks’ lineup during a critical playoff push.
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