Diamondbacks Expect Marte’s Return Within Two Weeks Following Unexplained Absence

The Arizona Diamondbacks are targeting late August for the return of three-time All-Star Ketel Marte to their lineup, approximately two weeks after the second baseman mysteriously left the team before a game in Boston. Manager Torey Lovullo said Monday the club intends to have Marte active for a home series against the Philadelphia Phillies starting August 31. After initially being placed on the restricted list, Marte was moved to the 10-day injured list with mild inflammation in his left knee.

Lovullo indicated the timing would align with the end of Marte’s injured list window, describing the August 31 start date as “the 10th day or the 11th day” of his recovery period. The manager reported Monday that Marte has begun taking batting practice at the Diamondbacks’ Scottsdale facility, with hitting coach Joe Mather expressing optimism about the veteran’s progress. The 32-year-old has not yet explained his departure to teammates or the public.

This marks the second consecutive season Marte has gone absent from the team. Last year, he traveled to the Dominican Republic during the All-Star break after a break-in at his Arizona home, missing three games before issuing an apology. Lovullo characterized Marte as an intensely private individual and said the organization would allow him to address his absence on his own terms.

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 spot. Lovullo said he hopes fans will embrace Marte upon his return, describing him as “a very loving young man” and acknowledging the player’s independent nature as part of what makes him extraordinary.