The Arizona Diamondbacks’ postseason push hit a sudden snag after Ketel Marte exited Friday’s victory in Atlanta, leaving them to weigh the fallout of losing their star.
Ketel Marte’s early departure from Friday’s road game against the Atlanta Braves immediately created concern for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Marte left in the second inning because of soreness in his left knee after a ground ball was hit in his direction. He bobbled the ball on the play and was removed shortly afterward.
How serious is Marte’s injury?
Arizona does not yet know whether the issue is simply precautionary or something more significant.
That uncertainty comes at a difficult time.
The Diamondbacks cannot afford to lose one of the most important players in their lineup while the National League postseason race continues tightening.
Arizona still managed to beat Atlanta 2-0 on Friday, a result that left the Diamondbacks tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for the final National League Wild Card spot.
Even so, Marte’s health could become one of the biggest concerns surrounding the team.
A key contributor
Marte has remained one of Arizona’s most dangerous offensive players throughout the season, but his value extends well beyond his production at the plate.
He provides stability within the lineup, forces opposing pitchers to navigate another difficult matchup and gives the Diamondbacks an experienced veteran presence.
His importance had been particularly noticeable in the days immediately before the injury.
Marte homered against the Colorado Rockies in Tuesday’s 3-2 loss before collecting two hits and an RBI in Wednesday’s 6-4 loss loss.
Those performances continued his contribution during an important stretch of the Wild Card race and made his sudden departure Friday especially concerning.
Marte is hitting .251 with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs in 117 games this season.
Marte’s value
The Diamondbacks have enough talent throughout the roster to withstand individual injuries. However, replacing everything Marte provides would present a much more difficult challenge.
His versatility as a hitter is one of the qualities that makes him especially valuable. Marte can impact games with power, quality contact and disciplined at-bats, giving Arizona a dependable presence regardless of where he hits in the order.
His experience also matters considerably during a postseason race. Marte has been through meaningful games before and understands how to handle the pressure that accompanies every late-season result.
He also brings consistency to a lineup that can otherwise become vulnerable when key contributors are unavailable. His presence forces opponents to account for another dangerous hitter and can create better opportunities for the players around him.
Beyond the offensive side, Marte provides leadership and familiarity within the clubhouse. Losing that type of veteran for any extended period would affect more than one position in the batting order.
If the left knee soreness proves minor, Arizona can quickly move forward.
If Marte faces an extended absence, the Diamondbacks could suddenly be dealing with one of their most significant problems of the season.
