‘Frustrated’ Torey Lovullo Admits Feeling “Betrayed” After 3x All-Star Ketel Marte’s Mysterious Absence Against Red Sox

Ketel Marte did not show up for the Arizona Diamondbacks game on Monday against the Boston Red Sox and was later revealed to have suffered a knee injury.

‘Frustrated’ Torey Lovullo Admits Feeling “Betrayed” After 3x All-Star Ketel Marte’s Mysterious Absence Against Red Sox

Torey Lovullo and Ketel Marte (Image via X/@Dbacks/X/@JustBB_Media)

Earlier this week, Ketel Marte shocked the MLB world with his mysterious absence. The 3-time All-Star did not show up for the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. On Friday, Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo opened up about the incident and claimed to feel “betrayed.”

On Monday, the Diamondbacks traveled to Boston to take on the Red Sox after their series against the Atlanta Braves. In that series, Marte had some soreness in his left knee and left the game on Friday.

After sitting out on Saturday, he returned to the lineup on Sunday. He then traveled with the team on Monday and was expected to be in the lineup.

However, he did not show up for the game. The D-backs waited for him, but there was no response. He was then placed on the restricted list. A player is placed on this list for a personal, legal, or unexcused reason.

Following their 11-1 loss on Monday, Lovullo seemed a bit emotional while speaking with the reporters. The 61-year-old said he loves Marte and claimed he was dealing with a personal issue.

This development left people connected with the Diamondbacks concerned. After this bizarre absence, reports emerged that Marte was seen at the bar of the team’s hotel in Boston. Then on Tuesday, reports claimed that he was set to undergo an MRI scan on his left knee.

The D-backs had no idea what was happening with Marte. On Thursday, Team President and CEO Derrick Hall admitted that he was unsure about the situation.

Later on, GM Mike Hazen and Torey Lovullo met Marte and his agent. They were said to have a “productive” meeting. Hazen refused to get more into it.

Before the game on Friday, Lovullo spoke regarding Marte. In this, he claimed to be frustrated after realizing what had unfolded.

Once I saw what was unfolding, I became extremely frustrated. I felt betrayed. And that’s a whole different type of pain and frustration. But I’m through that.

Torey Lovullo said regarding Ketel Marte

This is not the first time Marte had been placed on the restricted list. Last year, he found himself on this list following his absence after his house in Scottsdale was robbed. This incident took place during the All-Star weekend when Marte was representing the National League.

RELATED
Dodgers Stars Shower Support on Kyle Tucker Following Brutal Slump

Torey Lovullo hopes for D-backs fans to support Ketel Marte following bizarre absence

Ketel Marte stole several headlines this week after his bizarre absence from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Amidst this, manager Torey Lovullo urged the fans not to turn on him and instead shower their support.

Torey Lovullo and Ketel Marte
Torey Lovullo and Ketel Marte (Image via MLB/X/@TalkinBaseball_)

Like everyone, fans on the internet were left shocked by what had happened. While speaking with 12 News during the pregame, Lovullo was asked what his message would be for the fans towards Marte, who felt like turning on him.

Please don’t. He’s an unbelievable human being. … Sometimes people make decisions that you know, you regret. He expressed he maybe a litte bit of a bad decision. He needs our love right now. He needs our support right now.

Torey Lovullo on Ketel Marte

Lovullo has a close relationship with him. Last year, he was left a bit emotional after a fan heckled the 32-year-old regarding his late mother.

The team management has now demanded that he apologize for the incident. This whole saga comes at a time when the NL West side is in a battle for the final Wild Card spot.

With a 9-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, the D-backs improved to a 68-61 record. They remain 1 game behind the San Diego Padres for the final Wild Card spot. As for Marte, he is batting with a .249 average and has 21 home runs and 67 RBIs in 118 games.

Also Read: