BOSTON – In a strange turn of events, Ketel Marte was placed on the restricted list for the Arizona Diamondbacks after missing batting practice, and D-backs fans are questioning what exactly the situation is.
Arizona infielder Marte (4) looks on from the dugout before they play the Washington Nationals at Chase Field in Phoenix on May 7, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Marte arrived here in Boston with the team. The club had hoped until shortly before game time that he was going to show up to the park. He had been expected to serve as the designated hitter for tonight’s game.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) August 17, 2026
From what I was just told from a source in Boston – Ketel Marte was not at Fenway Park for batting practice. Do not know the reason why or anything more at this time. Again, all I could gather was that he was not there for BP. Had to be something out of the ordinary to delay the…
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) August 17, 2026
Ketel Marte traveled with Arizona to Boston, but then did not appear at Fenway Park for batting practice. The Diamondbacks subsequently placed their star second baseman on the restricted list, leaving fans with more questions than answers. The timing makes the situation even more significant. Arizona is fighting for postseason positioning, meaning every game carries added weight. Marte’s presence in the middle of the lineup has traditionally provided the Diamondbacks with a combination of power, patience and experience that is difficult to replace.
Apr 29, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Arizona second baseman 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
D-backs fans react to Ketel Marte being placed on restricted list:
Not releasing lineup while game starts in less than 10 minutes and now this?!! Something must be going on
— ⚡️ (@vendetta_10001) August 17, 2026
Not releasing lineup while game starts in less than 10 minutes and now this?!! Something must be going on
— ⚡️ (@vendetta_10001) August 17, 2026
do they know marte is okay at least?
— geraldo perdomo’s biggest fan (she/her) (@azgeraldomarte) August 17, 2026
Here’s hoping Marte is okay. Puzzling.
— Mark-Andrew (@BlueJaysFanKW) August 17, 2026
The team has not publicly disclosed the reason for Marte’s placement on the restricted list. That distinction matters. Fans may speculate, but speculation should not be mistaken for information. There is, however, precedent for Marte needing personal time away from baseball. In July 2025, his Scottsdale home was burglarized while he was playing in the All-Star Game. Marte subsequently spent time away from the team, with manager Torey Lovullo emphasizing that the human side of the situation came first.
Sep 28, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona second baseman Marte (4) hits a solo home run during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
That history understandably makes the current situation feel even more serious to Arizona fans. Marte has spent years becoming one of the faces of the franchise. When a player that important suddenly disappears during a playoff race, the natural reaction is concern. For now, the Diamondbacks’ most important responsibility may simply be giving Marte privacy while determining when, and whether, he is ready to return.
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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
