PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks fans finally have some clarity about Ketel Marte, but have had different reactions to what was revealed.
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
Marte, his agent, manager Torey Lovullo and general manager Mike Hazen met Thursday at Salt River Fields to discuss the situation that has dominated conversation around the team since Monday. Later, Arizona Sports’ Nick Piecoro reported that the D-Backs would move Marte off the restricted list and place him on the 10-day injured list after an MRI showed inflammation in his upper hamstring and the medial joint of his knee.
The news brought a mix of relief, frustration and still plenty of questions among the fanbase.
Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick near Scottsdale on Feb. 19, 2024. Credits: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The week began when Marte didn’t show up to Fenway Park for Monday’s game against the Boston Red Sox. He didn’t communicate with Lovullo or his teammates, leaving everyone in Arizona searching for answers.
As the situation unfolded, fans were split — some wanting to know if he was OK, but also expressing frustration over the lack of communication.
He literally hurt his knee like a day before all this happened it was obvious it had something to do with that, probably had a disagreement w/ the team about it, need all the losers in our fanbase/media who jumped to conclusions to slander him to eat shit and never speak again https://t.co/tz5I1mdrrl
— ___…___ (@OIOOIlOO____) August 21, 2026
Just got home from Dinner, catching up on everything.
The only thing we still know is Ketel Marte has a knee injury. Hes now on the 10 day IL..
It sort of seems like we are just going to move on from this and act like nothing happened?
— 🌵 Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) August 21, 2026
Excusing the behavior….
“Injury”being the excuse for abandoning the team.
Also…. What happened to the “personal” issue? https://t.co/dJBTLqFqjb
— Steven McCollum (@smac500) August 21, 2026
RAHHHHHHH DEMON HOME https://t.co/j1yV96k68S
— riley☀️ (@valleyriley) August 21, 2026
He’s still going to have face the media. Big Ketel defender. But this just doesn’t make sense. The guy was begging to play when he was in consideration for the NL MVP. On an ankle that didn’t work. But now when the team needs him. His knee will be better in 10 days. #dbacks https://t.co/cDujJlFodW
— elgallo4978 (@_Hysterik_) August 21, 2026
The news of the MRI gave some context for why Marte left Boston and returned to Phoenix, while Thursday’s meeting appeared to allow the organization to address the situation directly.
Some fans believe the health update was enough to shift the focus back to baseball, while others still question the accountability and lack of communication following a strange few days for one of the team’s most important players.
Aug 11, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo looks on from the dugout before a game between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Thursday’s update may have changed the tone of the situation, but for some Diamondbacks fans, it hasn’t brought complete closure.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
