PHOENIX — Corbin Carroll pushed back against outside criticism of teammate Ketel Marte, saying reports questioning Marte’s status within the Arizona Diamondbacks’ organization were “unwarranted.”
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May 6, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The comments come after a report by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale suggested some within the organization were frustrated with Marte for taking a day off during a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, including a matchup in which Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani pitched.
It was revealed pregame that the second baseman would not play due to discomfort and to avoid the risk of a more serious injury and a potential extended absence. Manager Torey Lovullo reiterated the decision was made internally and aligned with the team’s approach to managing workload over a long season, and defended Marte publicly when the report surfaced.
Carroll said the reaction outside the clubhouse does not match what is happening inside it.
“There needs to be some news sometimes.”
The #DBacks aren’t listening to the outside noise around one of their stars, Ketel Marte 🤭
🔗 https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/6idsFLxXVD
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) June 10, 2026
“We all saw some stuff out there where it was like, look, this guy’s played one less game — he’s one game off playing the most games on the team,” Carroll said on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. “It just seemed kind of unwarranted in my mind.”
Marte is on pace for a season high in games played, having appeared in 62 of 66 games so far this year. Carroll said the Diamondbacks remain focused on what is happening on the field.
“I think just everyone in that clubhouse is focused on playing baseball, and when stuff like that pops up, it’s just not important,” Carroll said. “It’s not a part of what we’re trying to do, and it’s not really for us anyway. It’s for the fans, and there needs to be some news sometimes.”
Jun 9, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) reacts from first base after hitting a two-run single against the Miami Marlins during the eighth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Carroll’s stance and Lovullo’s public support underscored that there is no frustration within the clubhouse toward the second baseman, with both aligned in their interpretation of the report. When a manager and clubhouse leader are on the same page, it often reflects the actual reality.
It’s not the first time Marte’s name has been linked to frustration over missed time. Last year, reports surfaced of frustration after he didn’t immediately return to the team following the All-Star break due to external reasons. It was not just about the missed games, but also the timing, as the D-Backs were in the middle of a stretch that ultimately determined what they did at the trade deadline.
Jun 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) celebrates after hitting a walk-off home run and defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
Still, this instance has not stemmed from consistent absences without reason, but rather a single game missed against a top opponent. Otherwise, Marte has been one of the most consistent players in the lineup this year, appearing in most games while working with the team to manage his health.
Now, the Diamondbacks are looking to move past the report and keep their attention on performance rather than outside noise.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
