Ketel Marte Returns to D-backs Lineup as DH Following Two-Week Absence

Ketel Marte returned to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday, batting cleanup as the designated hitter after missing 13 games.

Ketel Marte returned to the Arizona Diamondbacks lineup on Monday, August 31, 2026, occupying the cleanup spot as the designated hitter for a series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. The 32-year-old three-time All-Star rejoined the active roster exactly two weeks after an unannounced absence before a game in Boston. During his 14-day hiatus, Arizona posted a 7-6 record while maintaining a half-game lead over the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild-card berth. Marte enters the pivotal three-game set against Philadelphia carrying a .249 batting average, 21 home runs, and 67 RBIs for the current season.

The infielder’s path back to Chase Field involved multiple roster designations following the Boston incident. Initially placed on the restricted list for failing to report to the ballpark, he was subsequently moved to the 10-day injured list due to mild inflammation in his left knee. While sidelined, social media images emerged on August 21 showing Marte at a casino during a game in which the Diamondbacks defeated the Cincinnati Reds 9-0. The veteran player noted that he has no specific message for the fan base regarding the casino visit, categorizing such activities as personal time choices he makes while injured.

Marte Addresses Absence and Team Impact

Speaking through an interpreter prior to Monday’s 7:16 PM ET scheduled coverage, Marte admitted he failed manager Torey Lovullo by not appearing for the scheduled contest in Massachusetts. He described waking up that morning in physical pain and being unable to react, clarifying that the decision to stay away was entirely his own. The second baseman expressed a commitment to standing before his teammates to ask for forgiveness, acknowledging the mistake as a human error. This return comes as Arizona seeks its first postseason appearance since the 2023 campaign.

Lovullo, who has managed Marte throughout a 10-year professional relationship, described the situation as a work in progress. Although the manager previously admitted to feeling betrayed by the second baseman’s actions in Boston, he characterized Marte’s public admission of fault as significant personal growth. The Diamondbacks hope Marte’s presence restores offensive consistency to a lineup that has struggled with volatility during his absence.

History of Unexpected Absences

This month's events mark the second time in two seasons that Marte has been placed on the restricted list for non-injury reasons. During the previous season's All-Star break, he missed three games after his home in Arizona was burglarized. That incident led to a flight back to his native Dominican Republic, for which he also later issued an apology. The current distraction surfaced during a critical stretch of the season as the club fights to secure a playoff position.

Teammates have expressed a mixture of support and frustration regarding the timing of the disappearance. While the clubhouse remains largely behind the infielder, concerns were raised about the optics of his absence during a postseason push. Marte reiterated that he is human and prone to bad days, emphasizing that he is responsible for his own choices. The Diamondbacks now look to integrate his 21-home run production back into the daily batting order as they navigate the final weeks of the regular season schedule.