PHOENIX — For the first time since his unexpected absence from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday, Ketel Marte has offered an update on his situation — even if the message came through his agent.
Charisse Espinosa-Dash, agent for Ketel Marte, shared the following update with me today: “He is currently managing a personal matter and will be undergoing an MRI on his knee tomorrow. Ketel appreciates the unwavering support from fans, teammates, the Diamondbacks organization,…
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 19, 2026
Charisse Espinosa-Dash, Marte’s agent, told MLB Network insider Jon Morosi on Wednesday that the All-Star is “currently managing a personal matter” and will undergo an MRI on his knee Thursday.
Marte also expressed his appreciation for the support of D-Backs fans, his teammates, the organization and manager Torey Lovullo. He remains optimistic about his recovery and wants to return to the field as soon as possible.
Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte (4) celebrates scoring with manager Torey Lovullo against the Rockies during a game at Chase Field. Credits: Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The message provides the clearest window yet into a situation that has generated plenty of questions since Monday. Marte traveled with Arizona to Boston after the team’s series in Atlanta but didn’t show up to Fenway Park for Monday night’s game against the Red Sox. The Diamondbacks waited until just before first pitch to finalize their lineup before placing him on the restricted list.
Lovullo said afterward that Marte was dealing with a personal matter and communication with his second baseman had been very minimal.
Aug 16, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) runs to the dugout during the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
By Tuesday morning, another piece of the situation became clear: Marte was returning to Phoenix for an MRI on his knee. The knee had already been bothering him since the All-Star break. He left Friday’s game against the Braves with knee soreness, sat out Saturday, then returned Sunday before his unexpected absence in Boston.
While Marte’s own message offers some type of reassurance, it doesn’t answer the biggest question: When will he return?
Jul 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) throws the ball to first base in the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
Arizona is currently playing for its playoff lives. The D-Backs have already dropped their series to the Red Sox and now sit two games behind the final wild-card spot. Marte’s absence has created a significant hole in the middle of the lineup at a critical point in the season.
The D-Backs can only wait for the MRI results and hope their All-Star second baseman is doing okay and, hopefully, will return to help the club through one of the most important stretches of the season.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Diamondbacks’ Torey Lovullo tries to navigate through unusual Ketel Marte situation
