Torey Lovullo Opens up About D-backs’ Approach for Return of Ketel Marte After Bizarre Absence

Ketel Marte has been out of action since August 16 as he did not show up for the game last Monday and then landed on the IL due to a knee inflammation.

Torey Lovullo Opens up About D-backs’ Approach for Return of Ketel Marte After Bizarre Absence

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

Ketel Marte has dominated the headlines since last week following his bizarre absence from the Arizona Diamondbacks camp. On Monday, manager Torey Lovullo was once again asked about the 3-time All-Star. The skipper then opened up about the approach to his return.

The saga regarding Marte started last Monday when the Diamondbacks traveled to Boston to take on the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Marte, who reportedly traveled with the team, did not show up to the game.

As a result of this, he was placed on the restricted list. There was also some concern in the clubhouse as nobody had an idea what was going on.

He was then later seen at the bar of the team’s hotel in Boston. On Tuesday, his agent expressed that he was away for some personal reason and was undergoing an MRI scan on his left knee.

Before the series against the Red Sox, Marte did have some problems with his left knee. He was removed from the game on Friday against the Atlanta Braves and was sat for the encounter on Saturday. He did return to the lineup on Sunday in the series finale.

On Thursday, he met with GM Mike Hazen and manager Torey Lovullo. Since that meeting, he has been on the injured list.

On Monday, Lovullo was asked about whether it will be harder for the second baseman to come back to the clubhouse and face his teammates the longer he is out. The 61-year-old claimed that the team was trying to create the softest space for him to re-emerge into the environment.

We’re trying to create the softest space for him to re-emerge back into this environment. And that’s up to him, however he wants to do it.

Torey Lovullo said regarding Ketel Marte

Before their game on Friday against the Cincinnati Reds, Lovullo did claim that the management had asked for an apology from Marte. Later, reports emerged that the switch-hitter was seen at a casino, which further enraged the fans on social media. He is now expected to be activated from the IL next Tuesday.

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Diamondbacks host expresses frustration regarding Ketel Marte’s absence

Ketel Marte has faced intense criticism since his sudden disappearance from the team. Recently, an Arizona Diamondbacks host expressed frustration with him, claiming he held the team “hostage” by going radio silent.

Ketel Marte
Ketel Marte (Image via X/@JustBB_Media)

While speaking about this on Bickley & Marotta Mornings on Arizona Sports, D-backs pre-game and post-game host Todd Walsh claimed that Marte left the team hanging with his absence.

You went AWOL … basically held that team hostage until first pitch. … If I’m in that meeting … I would try. I would sit there and listen to all of those things. … I would just go right back and go. Okay. We’ll think about all that. But you left your team hanging in the lurch.

Todd Walsh said regarding Ketel Marte

This is not the first time Marte has been put on the restricted list. Last year, his house in Scottsdale was burglarized during the All-Star Game. At that moment, he was representing the National League.

He would then miss 3 games as he flew to the Dominican Republic. Upon returning, he would apologize to his teammates for his disappearance.

The timing of this development is crucial. It takes place when the D-backs are in the midst of a postseason push. Following their 7-0 loss on Monday, the NL West side is 69-63 for the season. They are now 2 games behind the San Diego Padres for the final Wild Card Spot in the National League.

As for Marte, he has 21 home runs and 67 RBIs in 118 games while batting with a .249 average. At the moment, he has 1,172 appearances for the D-backs and is 22 games away from tying the franchise record for most appearances set by Luis Gonzalez at 1,194 games.

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