BOSTON — Ketel Marte’s status with the Arizona Diamondbacks remains unclear as the club continues to operate with little information about the All-Star second baseman’s condition.
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
Manager Torey Lovullo spoke to reporters Tuesday afternoon, saying he has not spoken with Marte and didn’t have any additional information about the second baseman’s absence Monday night at Fenway Park. Lovullo said he was told Marte returned to Arizona for testing and believed the decision to undergo an MRI in Phoenix rather than with the team may have been his own choice.
The lack of communication has added another layer of questions to a situation that has quickly become the biggest storyline surrounding the club. Lovullo was candid about the situation, saying he was a little surprised by the lack of communication considering their close relationship.
Just finished our pregame session with @Dbacks Torey Lovullo. He said he has not spoken with Ketel Marte. Doesn’t have any further information on why he didn’t show up yesterday. Thinks the reason Marte is getting MRI back in Phx instead of here was Ketel’s choice but not sure.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) August 18, 2026
Torey Lovullo said he was told Ketel Marte went back to AZ for tests and that Ketel might have requested to go back. Lovullo said he is focused on the guys here and today’s game. He hasn’t talked to Ketel today. He was asked if he was surprised at the lack of communication. “A…
— Jody Jackson (@Jody_Jackson) August 18, 2026
Jun 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte against the Minnesota Twins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
When asked whether he expects Marte to play again for the D-Backs this season, Lovullo didn’t rule it out.
“I hope so. We need him,” Lovullo said, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. “He’s one of the best players in the National League as far as I’m concerned.”
For now, the manager and his team will try to put this behind them as they attempt to even up the series against the Boston Red Sox after being blown out 11-1 during the series opener. However, Marte’s notable absence and the lack of information about what is happening with one of baseball’s best second basemen will no doubt continue to dominate the conversation.
Apr 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) celebrates his two run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the tenth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Until then, Arizona must prepare to move forward without knowing when — or if– its star infielder will be available again.
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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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