Ketel Marte returned to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting lineup Monday night after a two-week absence, addressing his teammates and the media before the club’s series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Marte, who had been away from the lineup since the team’s series in Boston, took responsibility for his decision not to play and explained that his body was in pain and he was frustrated with what he was experiencing at the time.
“I feel like I failed him,” Marte said of manager Torey Lovullo, while making clear that his absence was not a result of any conflict with his manager. “I get along well with Torey.”
Marte said he did not leave Boston, despite speculation surrounding his absence. He traveled to Boston with the team and departed with the club.
The three-time All-Star said he feels better physically and mentally and hoped addressing his teammates would help him move forward.
“I will resolve this little by little,” Marte said.
Lovullo expressed his support for Marte and praised the veteran for taking the step to address his absence with the team.
“I’m proud of him,” Lovullo said, adding that he believes the situation can ultimately bring the group closer and galvanize the clubhouse.
Lovullo acknowledged that Marte is complex and that similar behavior has occurred when the veteran has faced challenges in the past. Still, the manager emphasized the importance of understanding and supporting Marte.
“When he’s right, he’s one of the best players in the league,” Lovullo said. “There’s a different way to handle every personality.”
Lovullo added that Marte assured him the situation would not happen again.
Marte participated in batting practice before Monday’s game and returned to the lineup batting fourth as the designated hitter. His return drew a mixed reaction from fans when he stepped to the plate for the first time in two weeks.
Marte finished 1-for-3 with a walk. In the eighth inning, he reached base but was left stranded as the Diamondbacks attempted to mount a comeback.
Arizona ultimately fell 2-1 to Philadelphia in the series opener. Bryson Stott hit a solo home run in the second inning, while Bryce Harper added an RBI double in the third to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead.
The Diamondbacks answered in the bottom of the third when Geraldo Perdomo singled and Gabriel Moreno doubled to left field, scoring Perdomo and cutting the deficit to one.
Arizona had additional opportunities late, including runners on first and second in the ninth, but could not complete the comeback.
With the Diamondbacks continuing their push in the wild-card race, Lovullo said the focus now is on moving forward.
“We are still in this thing without a group of guys,” Lovullo said.
The Diamondbacks will continue their three-game series against the Phillies on Tuesday at Chase Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. Arizona time.
Fans can watch the game on D-backs TV or listen to the action on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM or La Campesina 101.9 FM and 860 AM. ♦︎
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