The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte on the 10-day injured list due to a sprained left ankle. This decision comes after Marte played through discomfort for eight days, attempting to avoid a stint on the injured list. The announcement was made before the Diamondbacks’ three-game series opener against the Miami Marlins, which they won 9-6.
Marte, 30, initially sustained the ankle injury during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on August 10. The injury occurred when Garrett Stubbs of the Phillies collided with him during a headfirst slide at second base. After sitting out for three games, Marte returned to action but aggravated the injury while pinch-hitting against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. He had been the designated hitter the day prior, where he managed to record a single and a walk in four plate appearances.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo expressed concern for Marte’s health, stating, “Ketel needs some time down. He was trying to gut it out and just aggravated that ankle sprain. Hopefully, it will be as short a stint as possible.” Marte’s absence will be felt, as he ranks third in the National League with 30 home runs and fifth with 81 RBIs over the course of 116 games.
His offensive contributions have been significant in helping the Diamondbacks achieve a solid 70-56 record, placing them just one game behind the San Diego Padres for the top wild-card spot in the National League. Lovullo mentioned the uncertainty surrounding Marte’s recovery timeline, noting, “Nobody really knows the timeline with Ketel. We thought he was healthy. He showed signs he was healthy, taking some real high-intensity practice. Talking about the force he creates, it got him.”
Despite a strong record of 29-13 since the start of July, the Diamondbacks faced a setback when they were swept in three games against the Rays leading up to this series in Miami. With Marte sidelined, the team will need to maintain their momentum and depth to stay competitive.
Marte has returned to Arizona for further recovery, and Lovullo indicated that he does not anticipate any additional tests for the injury. “He just needs a little bit of time,” Lovullo said, emphasizing the need for caution to ensure a full recovery.
In the meantime, the Diamondbacks have recalled outfielder Pavin Smith from Triple-A Reno to fill Marte’s spot on the roster. Smith’s return provides the team with additional depth as they navigate this crucial part of the season.
As the Diamondbacks aim to solidify their playoff position, they will rely on their remaining players to step up in Marte’s absence. His return will be eagerly awaited, as his performance has been vital to the team’s success this year. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful that Marte will recover swiftly and return to the lineup, ready to contribute to the Diamondbacks’ playoff aspirations.
