PHOENIX – The wildcard race is heating up, and the Arizona Diamondbacks’ game on Monday night against the Philadelphia Phillies will have a lot of implications, though eyes will be mainly on Ketel Marte and his return to the D-backs’ lineup.
Jun 20, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) runs back to the dugout against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Ketel Marte set to return for Diamondbacks:
Marte is expected to return against Philadelphia after missing time following his controversial absence from Arizona’s series opener in Boston. The three-time All-Star did not report to Fenway Park, was placed on the restricted list and later moved to the injured list after an MRI revealed knee inflammation. The Diamondbacks have attempted to move forward. Manager Torey Lovullo called a subsequent meeting with Marte productive, while president and CEO Derrick Hall acknowledged that Marte still has explaining to do. Now comes a difficult part in returning to the field in front of the fans.
Apr 29, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) gets a base hit against the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Marte remains too important for Arizona to simply move on without him. That makes his return especially significant with Philadelphia arriving for a critical Wild Card series. But what will be the reaction from Chase Field? Some may cheer because they want their star back; others may boo because they feel the team was left hanging; many will probably wait to see what Marte does before deciding how they feel.
Jun 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; An Arizona Diamondback fan holds a sign for Ketel Marte during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
That is what makes Monday night bigger than a routine return from the injured list. Marte has an opportunity to change the conversation the only way baseball players ultimately can, by playing baseball. For Arizona, the ideal outcome isn’t simply getting its best second baseman back. It’s getting Marte, his teammates and the fans moving in the same direction again. With the postseason race tightening, the Diamondbacks cannot afford to spend September divided by a controversy from August.
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklenÂ
