Torey Lovullo says it will be his job to ‘smooth things over’ with Ketel Marte ahead of return
Ketel Marte is eligible to come off the injured list on Monday ahead of a three-game home series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Watch: Bickley Blast: Can Ketel Marte slug his way to redemption with Diamondbacks fans? | 9 mins
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he’s focused on getting Ketel Marte back on the field as his stint on the 10-day injured list nears its expected end following a no-show to a game last week.
“It will be my job to make sure when Ketel gets back in that clubhouse it’s smoothed over, and then we get to playing baseball as soon as possible,” Lovullo told MLB Network Radio on Friday.
“We’d love to reinsert Ketel back into our lineup.”
Marte is eligible to return from the IL on Monday vs. Philly.@Dbacks | #DBacks
🔗 https://t.co/iXax8hx4iO pic.twitter.com/ZArC9zfnTh— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) August 28, 2026
The three-time All-Star is eligible to come off the injured list on Monday ahead of a critical three-game home series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Lovullo said he expects Marte to be back in the lineup if healthy.
“If he’s healthy and strong and feeling good and timed up at the plate, we would love to reinsert him back in this lineup,” Lovullo said. “He’s one of the best players in the National League. He has been and will continue to be a very important piece of this lineup.”
Marte was placed on the 10-day injured list on Aug. 20 due to left knee inflammation. The move came after Marte did not show up to Fenway Park for the Diamondbacks’ game against the Boston Red Sox and did not tell Lovullo or the team he would be absent. He was placed on the restricted list, which is for players who are not playing for personal, legal or other non-baseball reasons.
Marte had an MRI on his knee before he was seen at Talking Stick Resort’s casino on Aug. 21. This was the same night the Diamondbacks were playing a game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Lovullo and D-backs CEO and president Derrick Hall have both since said his appearance at the casino was not a good look.
Hall told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta Thursday that Marte is in a “tough spot” and has yet to address his teammates about his absence last week.
Marte has played in 118 games this season (fifth-most on the D-backs), slashing .249/.314/.446, with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs. Utility player Ildemaro Vargas has started at second base in Marte’s absence and has struggled at the plate recently, slashing .115/.143/.231 in his last seven games.
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Comments
4 Comments
Torey: “hey guys, I know he abandoned us, again, at the most important point in the season. I know that my job is on the line and I know that a lot of you guys are playing through injuries while he spends the night at the casino, but c’mon. He’s pretty good. Let’s just all be nice. Nobody talk too loudly, or make direct eye contact. Let’s get the thermostat where Ketel likes it and dim the lights so they don’t strain his eyes. And for god sakes, nobody say the word “mom” around him”.
Why why why is TL including this in any interview - again? He's got to be exhausted. If Marte could have just been a little accountable, there wouldn't be this clown car parade.
Why should TL have to smooth over anything? OK, you can legitimately argue he created/enabled this Marte Monster but c'mon, Ketel Four is a grown man and needs to own his fubar and do the smoothing in the club house.