Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo provided an encouraging update on Ketel Marte after the All-Star second baseman left Friday’s 2-0 win over the Atlanta Braves with left knee soreness.
Marte exited after an awkward play in the first inning and was replaced after just one at-bat. The veteran has been dealing with the knee issue for more than a week, making his status one to watch as Arizona continues its postseason push.
The Diamondbacks are treating Marte as day-to-day and are not immediately turning to imaging, giving the team an opportunity to monitor how the knee responds. His absence would be significant for an Arizona lineup that relies heavily on his production.
Marte entered Friday batting .251 with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs across 117 games. He also owns a .315 on-base percentage and .448 slugging percentage, according to the information provided for this story.
Ildemaro Vargas moved into Marte’s spot at second base after the early exit, while Tim Tawa shifted from center field to first base. Jorge Barrosa then entered in center field as Arizona adjusted its defense.
The Diamondbacks managed to hold on despite Marte's early departure, with Brandon Pfaadt delivering seven scoreless innings and Arizona shutting out Atlanta. Pfaadt allowed only two hits and struck out seven in the victory.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The win moved Arizona to 65-58, keeping the club in the National League playoff picture. The Diamondbacks will now have to wait and see whether Marte can return quickly enough to remain part of the lineup.
For now, the focus is on the knee rather than a long-term absence. Arizona's decision to monitor Marte without immediately pursuing imaging leaves the door open for a quick return if the soreness settles down.
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