PITTSBURGH — Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo downplayed concerns surrounding Ketel Marte’s recent Instagram activity.
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Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo watches his team from the dugout as they play against the Milwaukee Brewers at Chase Field in Phoenix, on July 3, 2026. Credits: Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Marte sparked widespread conversation among fans Sunday night and into Monday morning after some supporters noticed he had deleted Diamondbacks-related content from his account and was no longer following the team. But Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro dismissed the notion of the franchise trading its All-Star second baseman.
While the conversation largely stayed online, it made its way into the D-Backs’ clubhouse in Pittsburgh ahead of the team’s series against the Pirates.
“First, I don’t even know what scrubbing is,” Lovullo told reporters, according to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert. “I don’t get it. I mean, I’m a baseball manager. I’ve connected with Ketel just to find out how he’s doing. Everything is in a good spot. I know that everybody wants to make some drama that’s taking place here. It’s nothing like it seems.”
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
Beyond dismissing the speculation, Lovullo praised Marte’s commitment to the organization, highlighting the second baseman’s performance and leadership this season.
“Ketel has probably been as emotionally invested to this ball club, connected to his art and his craft, and has been very dedicated to being the best version that I’ve seen him as a Diamondback,” Lovullo said. “And he’s having a tremendous year. He’s playing every day, and he’s a really good baseball player.”
The Ketel Marte Instagram stuff has made its way here so@Dbacks
manager Torey Lovullo was asked about it just now. Here’s what he said: First, I don’t even know what scrubbing is. I don’t get it. I mean, I’m a baseball manager. I’ve connected with Ketel just to find out…(1/2)— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 27, 2026
While Lovullo could have moved on from the fiasco and focused solely on the team’s next challenge, he instead offered the strongest indication yet that there is no tension between Marte and the franchise. With the trade deadline approaching and the D-Backs still straddling the line between buyers and sellers, even subtle social media activity can fuel speculation about a potential blockbuster.
That doesn’t appear to be the case here.
Jul 6, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) congratulates second base Ketel Marte (4) after making the All-star game in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Instead, Lovullo’s comments reinforced what local reporting had already suggested: Marte remains a central part of Arizona’s plans, and there is little reason to believe his Instagram activity signaled anything.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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