Ketel Marte Injury: D-backs Move All-Star to 10-Day IL After Boston Absence

Ketel Marte moves to the 10-day injured list after missing a game in Boston and undergoing tests on his left knee.

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte officially moved to the 10-day injured list on Thursday, August 20, 2026, following a three-day stint on the restricted list. General Manager Mike Hazen announced the transaction after the three-time All-Star failed to appear for a scheduled series against the Boston Red Sox. Marte, who maintains a .249 batting average through the current campaign, has provided the club with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs. The roster adjustment comes as the infielder undergoes medical evaluation for a lingering left knee issue that required his return to Phoenix for diagnostic testing.

Key details

Manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that the veteran slugger traveled back to Arizona on Tuesday to meet with team physicians. The Diamondbacks currently hold a 67-61 record, placing them exactly one game behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild-card spot. This medical designation ensures the team can utilize an active roster spot while Marte focuses on recovery. Hazen emphasized that the player will remain sidelined until he achieves full health, though no specific return date has been established by the front office.

The disappearance in Boston represents the second time in two seasons that the infielder has been placed on the restricted list. During the previous year, Marte missed three games following a burglary at his Arizona home during the All-Star break. That incident saw him fly to the Dominican Republic before returning to issue a formal apology to his teammates and coaching staff. The current situation differs due to the physical ailment involving his leg, which necessitated a transition from the disciplinary list to the standard IL.

Communication has proven difficult during this latest absence, with Lovullo noting challenges in obtaining specific information regarding the player’s status. The Diamondbacks are six games over the .500 mark and are fighting to secure their first postseason appearance since the 2023 World Series run. Losing a primary power source who has accounted for 21 long balls creates a significant void in the middle of the batting order. The team finalized these administrative moves on Thursday evening as they prepared for the next phase of their road trip.

Latest developments

Medical staff in Phoenix are currently reviewing the results of the left knee tests to determine the severity of the inflammation or structural concerns. The 10-day injured list placement is retroactive to his last active date, though the three days spent on the restricted list do not count toward his service time or recovery clock. Arizona’s front office remains focused on the wild-card race, where they trail San Diego by a narrow margin. The club has not disclosed whether the knee problem was a pre-existing condition or an acute injury sustained during recent play.

Statistical analysis shows that Marte’s presence is vital for the Diamondbacks' offensive production, especially given his 67 runs batted in. The veteran’s absence forced the coaching staff to shuffle the infield alignment during the series at Fenway Park. While the team awaits further clarity on the medical front, the focus remains on maintaining their position in the National League standings. The 67-61 record reflects a team in the thick of a playoff hunt, making the health of their star second baseman a top priority for the remainder of the August schedule.

This roster move was processed through the league office late Thursday, ensuring the team had a full complement of players for their upcoming matchups. Hazen’s decision to shift Marte to the IL suggests that the knee issue requires more than a few days of rest. The Diamondbacks have not yet called up a replacement from Triple-A Reno to fill the vacancy created by this transaction. Fans and analysts are monitoring the situation closely, as the lack of direct communication between the player and manager adds a layer of complexity to the recovery timeline.