D-backs Place Ketel Marte on Restricted List Following 11-1 Loss to Red Sox

The Arizona Diamondbacks placed Ketel Marte on the restricted list after he failed to show up for Monday's 11-1 loss against the Boston Red Sox.

The Arizona Diamondbacks placed All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte on the restricted list Monday night after he failed to report for the team's game against the Boston Red Sox. Arizona suffered an 11-1 defeat at Fenway Park while playing without their three-time All-Star, who has now gone AWOL for the second consecutive season. Manager Torey Lovullo confirmed the roster move following the ten-run loss, stating he was still searching for answers regarding the infielder's whereabouts.

Marte enters this period of absence with a .249 batting average, 21 home runs, and 67 RBIs through 118 games this season. To fill the vacant roster spot, the Diamondbacks recalled infielder Jose Fernandez. Fernandez was already present in Boston as a potential replacement for third baseman Nolan Arenado, who was sidelined for the Monday night contest. Arenado exited Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves due to what the medical staff described as trunk discomfort, though the injury is not considered a long-term issue.

Lovullo Details Communication Attempts

Manager Torey Lovullo disclosed that he had multiple conversations with Marte on Monday morning and afternoon in an attempt to understand the situation. Despite these efforts, the manager noted that there was very little information coming back from the player. While Marte traveled with the club to Boston, his exact location during the game remained unconfirmed. Lovullo described the day as crazy and noted that the organization is currently trying to figure out the specifics of the personal issue Marte is facing.

Clubhouse atmosphere was affected by the disappearance, with Lovullo mentioning significant curiosity and numerous discussions among players throughout the day. The manager indicated that the team was able to focus on the game only after receiving confirmation that Marte was physically okay. When asked about Marte's future status with the clubhouse and his role on the field, Lovullo declined to provide specifics, stating he needed a night of rest and a glass of wine before addressing those concerns.

History of Absences and Roster Adjustments

This incident marks the second time Marte has been placed on the restricted list for a non-injury disappearance. During the previous season, he missed three games after his home in Arizona was broken into during the All-Star break. On that occasion, Marte flew to his home in the Dominican Republic without prior notice and later issued an apology to the team upon his return.

The current roster shuffle sees Jose Fernandez join the active lineup while the team monitors both Marte's status and Arenado's recovery. The Diamondbacks front office processed the restricted list transaction on August 17, 2026, as the team looks to uncover more information regarding the infielder's second unannounced departure in two years. The restricted list designation allows the team to free up a 26-man roster spot while the player is away from the club for non-baseball reasons.