PHOENIX — Ketel Marte’s absence is no longer the biggest question hanging over the Arizona Diamondbacks, but rather what kind of clubhouse he will be returning to.
Jun 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Marte is expected to return with the club sometime during Arizona’s home series next week against the Philadelphia Phillies after dealing with a knee injury. But the circumstances surrounding his absence have created a much bigger issue than simply missing games due to injury.
Teammates have been frustrated, and some of that frustration has been expressed publicly, while other concerns have remained anonymous. Manager Torey Lovullo has acknowledged that he felt “betrayed” by what happened after his All-Star second baseman no-showed at Fenway Park during the D-Backs’ first game against the Boston Red Sox.
The result is a clubhouse trying to balance two competing realities: The Diamondbacks need Marte, and some of the people playing alongside him appear to have questions about him.
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
A report by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal appears to provide deeper insight into what Marte’s teammates have thought about the situation, with some speaking anonymously about how they feel. One player told Rosenthal, “Typical Ketel. Just leaving. It is what it is.”
Then, during the club’s first game against the Cincinnati Reds, despite not needing to be at the game because of his injury, Marte was seen at a casino that same night. Once again, it didn’t rub some of his teammates the right way, as some told Rosenthal it was “a slap in the face” and “that was rubbing people’s noses in it.”
That’s the storyline that will be just as important as the race to October.
Why the Diamondbacks keep putting up with Ketel Marte. Analysis, unlocked and free to read. https://t.co/vUji91Y5do
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 27, 2026
When Marte eventually returns, how his clubhouse receives him, how his teammates interact with him and how effectively they can put this situation behind them will matter just as much as what he does on the field. The All-Star has the talent, but resentment could still linger.
Marte’s bat and clutch ability will be needed, but so will the version of him the D-Backs can trust. If they get both, a turbulent chapter can be put behind them.
Apr 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) celebrates with shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) two run home run against the Atlanta Braves during the tenth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
If they don’t, anything that happens in the future could bring these last two weeks back into the spotlight.
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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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