PHOENIX – The Ketel Marte saga was supposed to begin moving toward the rearview mirror. Instead, Arizona’s lineup for their Wednesday matinee matchup in their series finale against the Phillies created another chapter.
Apr 29, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run against he Milwaukee Brewers in the ninth inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Marte is not in Arizona’s lineup for the series finale against Philadelphia. While general manager Mike Hazen said the day off was planned, the timing is almost impossible to ignore. After missing time because of left knee inflammation and returning from the controversy surrounding his Boston absence, Marte has now played only two games before another absence.
D-backs fans react to Ketel Marte not starting on Wednesday:
Where’s Ketel?
— Robb Brunansky (@RobbBrunansky) September 2, 2026
Matinee with no Marte
— J.J. (@jayjayGoFast) September 2, 2026
load management day off for Ketel. What do we even want at this point.
— Clue Heywood (@ClueHeywood) September 2, 2026
why is joe mather still employed bro
— chappie (mentally insane sports fan) (@TrentJordanFan) September 2, 2026
Our manager is a joke. Resting Ketel after two games. We don’t want to be winners.
— JaguarSunday (@PSeroter) September 2, 2026
Can we call up Troy if Ketels gonna be DH/taking off days the rest of the way? Can’t have Vargas playing everyday at this point
— k (@misskarlaa) September 2, 2026
Marte with the load management day off
— …. (@AZFW) September 2, 2026
Sep 1, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona second base Ketel Marte (4) at bat in the first inning during the game between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
That does not necessarily mean something is wrong; it does mean the optics are complicated. Marte returned Monday to a divided Chase Field crowd, hearing both cheers and boos. He apologized for failing to report in Boston and acknowledged that he alone decided not to show up. Now, fans are left asking another question: Why isn’t he playing? Some are questioning the injury, others are questioning the managerial decisions, and some have even wondered whether Arizona might be better without the distraction.
Jul 1, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona second base Ketel Marte (4) attempts to field a ball in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
That last argument misses the bigger picture. Marte is still one of the faces of this franchise and one of its most important offensive players. The Diamondbacks cannot afford to rush him back and risk another injury just to quiet social media for a day. But they also cannot allow uncertainty to become the story; Arizona is fighting for October. Marte needs to be healthy, productive and trusted.
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, @BenBliklen
