Diamondbacks Make Ketel Marte Decision Before Phillies Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Apr 12, 2026 11:14 AM ET

The Arizona Diamondbacks enter Sunday’s series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies after splitting the first two games of the matchup, winning the first one 5-4 before dropping Saturday's outing 4-3.

With both teams sitting third in their respective National League divisions, Arizona has decided to manage its roster carefully during the early stage of the season while navigating injuries across the lineup.

The D-backs have already dealt with multiple changes over the past few days, including the absence of catcher Gabriel Moreno due to back tightness and outfielder Corbin Carroll with a hip issue, although the latter returned to the lineup on Saturday after missing two games, batting at designated hitter.

Following this trend, and after appearing in every game to begin the season, one of Arizona’s most consistent starters will not be in the lineup for Sunday's matchup.

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo (17) © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Second baseman Ketel Marte is out of the lineup for the final game against the Phillies, marking his first day off of the 2026 season.

Marte had started each of the Diamondbacks’ first 15 games before the decision to give him a rest, with no further concerns or any injury attached to his absence.

The infielder has contributed in the first two games of the series, going 2-for-8 with a walk, a home run, three RBI and two runs scored while hitting at the top of the order.

Rise and shine. pic.twitter.com/bagAgZ3w4Z
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 12, 2026

In his place, Ildemaro Vargas will start at second base and bat leadoff for Arizona. With no rest days between the end of the Phillies series and the start of a new one against the Orioles in Baltimore starting Monday, the move will give Marte a break early in the year.

Marte has put together a .197/.258/.328 slash line this season with 12 hits on 61 at-bats, including two doubles and two homers. Vargas, meanwhile, has batted a staggering .429 in a smaller sample size of 28 at-bats while appearing in eight games.

The Diamondbacks are set to face Phillies right-hander Andrew Painter, with Zac Gallen starting for Arizona. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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