Ketel Marte Returns to Phoenix for Knee Tests After Missing 11-1 Loss in Boston

Ketel Marte is undergoing testing on his left knee in Phoenix after failing to appear for Monday's game against the Red Sox.

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte departed Boston for Phoenix on Tuesday to undergo medical testing on his left knee. This travel follows a Monday night matchup at Fenway Park where Arizona suffered an 11-1 defeat against the Red Sox, a contest in which the 32-year-old infielder did not appear. Manager Torey Lovullo confirmed the All-Star’s status prior to the second game of the series, noting that the organization placed him on the restricted list after he failed to show up for the opener.

Key details

Through 118 games during the 2026 campaign, the switch-hitter has maintained a .249 batting average while contributing 21 home runs and 67 RBIs to the Diamondbacks' offensive production. Despite traveling with the club to Massachusetts initially, his whereabouts became a point of concern for the coaching staff following the ten-run loss. Lovullo expressed surprise regarding the lack of communication from the three-time All-Star, stating he attempted to reach the infielder on Monday to clarify the situation but received no definitive answers regarding his absence from the stadium.

This roster move marks the second time in two seasons that Arizona has utilized the restricted list for Marte. Lovullo described the circumstances surrounding the current disappearance as a "crazy day" involving a personal issue that required the player's immediate attention. When questioned about the infielder's long-term availability for the remainder of the calendar year, the manager stated he hoped the second baseman would suit up for the Diamondbacks again this season. "We need him," Lovullo remarked, categorizing the veteran as one of the premier talents currently competing in the National League.

The current situation mirrors a specific incident from the previous season when Marte was placed on the restricted list during the All-Star break. In that prior instance, his residence in Arizona was burglarized, which prompted an unannounced flight to his native Dominican Republic. That 2025 disappearance resulted in three missed games before the infielder rejoined the active roster and issued a formal apology to his teammates and the front office for his sudden departure.

Latest developments

As the Diamondbacks continue their three-game set against the Red Sox, the clubhouse must navigate the void left by a primary offensive engine. The 21 homers and 67 runs batted in represent a significant portion of the team's power, which was notably absent during the lopsided 11-1 scoreline on Monday. Lovullo's coaching staff was informed of the player's return to the desert for knee evaluations while they were preparing for the Tuesday night first pitch in Boston. The organization has not yet provided a specific timeline for the conclusion of these diagnostic tests or a potential date for his reinstatement to the active 26-man roster.

Medical personnel in Phoenix will evaluate the structural integrity of the left knee to determine if the discomfort contributed to the player's recent decision-making or if the physical ailment is a secondary concern to the personal matters cited by the manager. The Diamondbacks' front office has remained relatively quiet regarding the specifics of the restricted list designation, adhering to privacy protocols while the All-Star undergoes these necessary health screenings.

Without their starting second baseman, Arizona's middle infield depth will be tested against a Boston lineup that produced 11 runs on Monday. The team’s ability to rebound from the blowout loss depends heavily on filling the statistical gap left by a player who has appeared in nearly 90% of the team's games this year. Lovullo emphasized that while the personal issue is being handled, the priority remains the health of the player's knee and his eventual reintegration into the starting nine. The club expects further updates once the specialists in Phoenix complete their imaging and physical assessments later this week.