Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ketel Marte is headed to the 10-day Injured List with left knee inflammation.
Ketel Marte will remain away from the Arizona Diamondbacks for the time being, but the circumstances surrounding his absence have become clearer.
Arizona is transferring the veteran second baseman from the restricted list to the 10-day Injured List after an MRI revealed inflammation in his left knee. Marte is also dealing with inflammation around his upper hamstring, according to reports.
The move provides the Diamondbacks with a clearer path forward while Marte focuses on recovering. The team expects the longtime infielder to return once he is healthy.
Marte did not show up this week for a Diamondbacks' road game in Boston. On Thursday, team officials met with Marte and his representatives at the organization's Spring Training home and Arizona league home at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Out of that meeting, the decision was reached to put Marte on the IL.
Marte has been one of Arizona's most important players for years and remains a central piece of its lineup. The 32-year-old has appeared in 118 games this season, hitting .249 with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs. His production has made him a major part of the Diamondbacks' hopes of remaining in the National League playoff race.
The current injury comes after Marte had been dealing with discomfort in his left knee for several days. He exited a game earlier in August because of the issue before missing additional time. The Diamondbacks eventually sent him back to Phoenix for further evaluation.
Marte's importance to Arizona extends well beyond his 2026 numbers. He is a three-time All-Star who finished third in National League MVP voting in 2024. He also earned National League Championship Series MVP honors during Arizona's 2023 postseason run.
Since joining the Diamondbacks, Marte has developed into one of the more accomplished second basemen in baseball. His combination of offensive production, experience and versatility has made him a foundational player for the organization.
The timing of his injury is particularly significant for Arizona. The Diamondbacks are attempting to stay within striking distance of a playoff spot, and losing a player with Marte's experience creates another challenge for a club trying to remain competitive down the stretch.
Arizona will have to find ways to cover second base while Marte recovers. Ildemaro Vargas and Tim Tawa are among the players who can help fill the void, while Jose Fernandez has also been part of the team's infield picture.
The Diamondbacks also recently added veteran utility infielder Santiago Espinal on a minor-league contract, giving the organization another experienced option as it navigates the uncertainty surrounding Marte's availability.
Marte remains under contract with Arizona through the 2031 season and has full no-trade rights after reaching 10 years of Major League service time earlier this year.
For now, the Diamondbacks' focus is on getting their star second baseman healthy. Once Marte is ready to return, his presence should provide a significant boost to an Arizona club that continues to rely heavily on his production and veteran leadership.
