In a development that has raised questions about the Arizona Diamondbacks’ medical handling, All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a worsening sprained left ankle. Marte’s injury first occurred during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies on August 10, when Garrett Stubbs collided with him at second base. Despite initial assessments and hopes for a quick recovery, Marte’s condition deteriorated after he attempted to play through the pain, leading to his current stint on the injured list.
Marte, who has been instrumental in the Diamondbacks’ season, was initially sidelined for three games following the injury. The team hoped he would be able to return to form quickly. However, the situation took a turn for the worse when Marte aggravated the injury while pinch-hitting against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Prior to this, he had served as the designated hitter in a game against the Rays on Saturday, where he managed a single and a walk in four at-bats.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo expressed his frustration with the situation, highlighting that Marte’s condition seemed to be improving, only to flare up again due to intensive practice. Lovullo stated, “Ketel needs some time off. He was trying to play through it but made the ankle sprain worse. We hope his time on the injured list will be as short as possible.” This comment underscores a growing concern about the team’s medical management and the decision to let Marte continue playing despite his ongoing discomfort.
Marte’s injury comes at a critical time for the Diamondbacks. The team, with a current record of 69-56, is battling for a playoff spot and sits just one game behind San Diego for the top National League wild-card position. Marte, who is third in the National League with 30 home runs and has 81 RBIs in 116 games, has been a crucial player in their push for a postseason berth. His absence is likely to impact the team’s performance in their upcoming series against the Miami Marlins.
Since early July, the Diamondbacks have been one of the most successful teams in the league, boasting a 28-13 record. However, they were recently swept in a three-game series by the Rays, which adds to the urgency of their upcoming games. Lovullo’s comments about the situation reveal a level of dissatisfaction with how the medical team handled Marte’s recovery, particularly given that the injury flared up during what was supposed to be his recovery phase.
As Marte returns to Arizona for further evaluation, Lovullo is hopeful that no additional tests will be required. “He just needs a bit more time,” Lovullo said. The Diamondbacks will need to navigate the challenges of their upcoming games without their star player, and the effectiveness of their medical and support staff will likely be scrutinized in the coming days as they strive to maintain their position in the playoff race.
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