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Diamondbacks President Reacts to Ketel Marte Development
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Arizona Diamondbacks still have more questions than answers surrounding Ketel Marte after the star second baseman unexpectedly left the team during its road trip.

Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall addressed the situation Thursday morning, describing Marte’s absence as a “complete mystery” and “just bizarre” during an appearance on Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta Mornings.

Hall said Marte appeared fine at the team hotel in Boston on Sunday night before failing to report to Fenway Park the following day. The Diamondbacks subsequently placed him on the restricted list.

The situation comes after Marte dealt with knee soreness during the club’s series against the Atlanta Braves. He left Friday’s game and briefly returned Sunday before ultimately leaving the team.

Marte’s agent, Charisse Espinosa-Dash, said Wednesday that the infielder is dealing with a personal matter and is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his knee in Phoenix. The differing details have added another layer of uncertainty to the situation.

Hall made clear that the organization wants Marte back, but said there will need to be explanations and apologies before the team can move forward.


Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4)Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The timing is particularly significant for Arizona, which remains in the National League Wild Card race. The Diamondbacks entered Thursday 67-61 and third in the NL West, while having just completed a 7-6 extra-inning victory over the Boston Red Sox.

Marte has remained one of Arizona’s most important offensive contributors this season. Through 118 games, he is batting .249 with 117 hits, 21 home runs and 67 RBIs, all while leading the team in at-bats.

With Marte unavailable, Geraldo Perdomo and Ildemaro Vargas are expected to shoulder more responsibility around second base as the Diamondbacks prepare for their upcoming series against the Cincinnati Reds.

ALSO SEE: NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First-Inning Predictions for Thursday, Aug. 20

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

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