The Diamondbacks at least got a normal start to the day in Boston, but the biggest story remained the same: Ketel Marte’s status is still murky.
In the latest pregame update, there still wasn’t much concrete to go on. Jody Jackson reported that manager Torey Lovullo had not spoken with Marte on Friday. When Lovullo was asked whether he was surprised by the lack of communication, he said, “A little bit, yes“ given their close relationship.”
Marte is believed to be headed back to Arizona for an MRI on his knee, though John Gambadoro reported that he is “not back yet.” Steve Gilbert added that Lovullo “thinks the reason Marte is getting MRI back in Phx instead of here was Ketel’s choice but not sure.”
That’s where things stood: a lot of uncertainty, not many answers. The team has good reason to stay guarded when health is involved, but the silence has only fueled speculation. Even reporters with long-standing organizational contacts weren’t offering anything more definitive publicly.
If Marte is unavailable, the Diamondbacks’ second-base picture points mostly to Ildemaro Vargas. He’s the only other player besides Marte to start a game there for Arizona this season. Tim Tawa has logged 3.2 innings at second, and Jordan Lawlar was there in the ninth inning yesterday when Vargas was on the mound.
There aren’t many other ready-made choices on the 40-man roster. Tommy Troy has played second for the Aces, but he’s still on the IL with a sprained right shoulder after crashing into a wall at Chavez Ravine.
So the infield for this evening - Tawa, Vargas, Geraldo Perdomo and Jose Fernandez - is a long way from what anyone expected when the season began.
In Other News...
Mike Hazen Finally Addresses Ketel Martes Sudden Absence
Ketel Marte was absent from the Diamondbacks series opener against the Red Sox, leaving Arizona to manage without one of its most important everyday players while the team tries to keep the focus on the field. General manager Mike Hazen said he has been in touch with Marte by text and is planning to meet with him in person, a sign the club is treating the matter as a personal one while working through the basketball-like reality of plugging a key hole in the lineup.
For now, Hazens message is about stability: handle the roster in front of you, avoid letting one absence become a distraction, and trust the people around the team to keep things moving. Martes situation remains unresolved from the outside, and the Diamondbacks will have to balance the human side of the story with the practical challenge of staying on track until they know more. [Read more 🡒]
Corbin Carroll Admits Ketel Marte Situation Is Weighing On Diamondbacks
Ketel Martes absence has been hanging over the Diamondbacks since the club got to Boston, where he was not around the teams activities before heading back to Phoenix for further evaluation. For a lineup that leans heavily on Martes presence, the uncertainty alone has been enough to make it a talking point in the room.
Corbin Carroll said the situation has been on the minds of some players, a reflection of how quickly a concern around a knee can ripple through a clubhouse. For now, Arizona is waiting on clarity, and with the details still not public, the team is left managing both the game plan and the unease that comes with not knowing what comes next. [Read more 🡒]
Ketel Marte Situation Leaves Diamondbacks Facing An Uncomfortable Unknown
Ketel Martes absence has left the Diamondbacks in a holding pattern, and Torey Lovullo admitted Tuesday that he still does not have any new information. The manager said he has not spoken with Marte since the second baseman missed Monday nights game, leaving Arizona to sort through the situation without a clear explanation or timeline.
Marte was reportedly back in Arizona for testing, potentially an MRI in Phoenix, and the move may have been his own choice as the club tries to learn more. Lovullo did not close the door on Marte returning this season, but for now the Diamondbacks are preparing as if they will have to keep moving without knowing when, or whether, their everyday second baseman will be back. [Read more 🡒]