Diamondbacks Manager Doesn’t Hold Back on Ketel Marte

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo offered his frankest assessment yet of second baseman Ketel Marte’s recent absence, saying he expects the three-time All-Star to apologize to his teammates before returning to action.

Lovullo met with Marte ahead of Friday’s game and later shared details of their discussion without revealing every word exchanged. The conversation came before the Diamondbacks shut out the Cincinnati Reds 9-0 at Chase Field.

That victory marked the club’s second straight win following consecutive defeats in Boston, where Marte’s unexpected absence created a clear distraction for the team.

Marte failed to appear for the Aug. 17 contest against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. The situation has drawn significant attention throughout the organization and among fans.

“Probably a little misunderstanding and a lot of frustration on Ketel’s part,” Lovullo said. “He wasn’t feeling great with his knee. Admittedly handled it wrong. … When you’re hurt, you come in, and get treatment. I think he failed to do that. So there was a little lack of communication that led to this and amplified it. He felt so frustrated, he needed to step away.”

After the win over Cincinnati, Lovullo acknowledged the personal impact of the episode. He said he felt clearly hurt by Marte’s decision not to communicate before leaving the team in Boston.

“Once I saw what was unfolding, I became extremely frustrated,” Lovullo said. “I felt betrayed. That’s a whole different type of pain and frustration.”

Marte spent three days on the restricted list, a move that amounted to an unpaid suspension. On Thursday the club transferred him to the 10-day injured list after he returned to Phoenix for an MRI on his knee.

He left the East Coast without first discussing the choice with the team while it was still in Boston. The sequence left many questions unanswered as the week progressed.

On Friday, Aug. 21, social media posts showed images of Marte at a local casino. Reporters asked Lovullo about the photos following the Reds game.

“When you’re turned loose from the medical team, you’re allowed to go home and have a meeting with your family,” Lovullo said. “He’s free to do whatever he wants, that’s how I look at it. As long as he wakes up (Saturday) morning and posts, and gets his work done at Salt River (Fields) — which I am certain he will — that’s all that matters to me right now.”

Lovullo emphasized that Marte remains free to manage his personal time once cleared by medical staff. The manager’s focus stays on the player’s readiness for baseball activities rather than off-field appearances.

The Diamondbacks have made clear that an apology to the clubhouse is expected before Marte can resume playing. Lovullo described the emotions involved as real and significant for everyone connected to the team.

The manager also addressed supporters, stressing the need for the group to move forward together once the current issues are resolved. He stopped short of detailing the full path back for the veteran infielder.

Throughout the remarks, Lovullo balanced criticism of the communication breakdown with recognition of Marte’s physical discomfort. The knee issue appears central to the player’s decision to step away, even if the timing and manner of the departure created friction.

As the Diamondbacks continue their season, the club aims to put the episode behind it. Lovullo’s comments signal a desire for accountability while keeping the door open for Marte’s eventual return once medical and team protocols are satisfied.