ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Ketel Marte exits with lower-body injury; D-backs shut out by Rockies
Apr 7, 2021, 7:49 PM | Updated: Apr 8, 2021, 12:12 pm
DENVER, CO - APRIL 7: Ketel Marte #4 of the Arizona Diamondbacks grimaces as he is helped off the field by a member of the training staff and first base coach Robby Hammock (L) during the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on April 7, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Arizona Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte left Wednesday’s 8-0 loss to Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning after potentially injuring himself while running to first base.
After hitting a ground ball to third base in the sixth inning, Marte grabbed the back of his right leg while trying to beat the throw to first base. He then continued hopping past the base on one leg, visibly in pain.
The center fielder was helped off the field by a trainer and first base coach Robby Hammock. Manager Torey Lovullo said postgame that Marte is doing OK, but the extent of the injury is still being evaluated.
“He felt his leg cramping up as he was running down the line so he was trying to put on the brakes and protect it the best that he could,” Lovullo said via Zoom.
Ketel Marte limping off the field… pic.twitter.com/Hdv7jJBG8l
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BallySportSAZ) April 8, 2021
Marte was 0-for-3 on the night, but has had a hot start to the season. The 27-year-old slashed .522/.560/.957 with a 1.517 OPS through five games, and was leading the National League in hits (12).
It wasn’t a pretty night either for starter Madison Bumgarner, who surrendered five runs on eight hits in his second start of the season. The lefty also walked two and threw eight strikeouts across five innings.
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Misfires to hitters and inconsistencies are what Lovullo said he saw Wednesday night, but the manager feels the veteran pitcher will turn it around with extra work.
“We know that he’s working hard. He’s got a process, he’s got a plan and he’s prepared,” Lovullo said. “This game can be unrewarding at times and I think just consistency with locating the baseball is very important for him and all of our pitchers.
“I think when he fine-tunes that, you’re going to see a better version than what you’ve seen so far this season.”
The D-backs went to Caleb Smith, who was recently moved to the bullpen, after Bumgarner. The left-hander proved relief pitching may be the better spot for him after striking out five and allowing no hits in two innings of work.
The Diamondbacks will close out the series against the Rockies with Merrill Kelly on the mound Thursday. First pitch is set for 12:10 p.m.
Tune to ESPN 620 AM for all the action.
