Fans, media members, and the Arizona Diamondbacks themselves were stunned when star infielder Ketel Marte did not show up to Fenway Park for Monday night’s game against the Boston Red Sox.
Marte was originally penciled in as the DH, but the lineup was not turned in until just 10 minutes before game time as the team awaited word on his whereabouts and status. He was eventually scratched and placed on the restricted list for what they called a personal matter.
After the game, an emotional Torey Lovullo explained that he became aware that Marte may not show up for the game on Monday morning but added that he was not able to get in touch with him throughout the day. Teammate and close friend Geraldo Perdomo had a similar perspective, saying that the two had not talked and that he did not know the nature of Marte’s situation.
After Monday night provided little clarity, Tuesday brought an update, but perhaps even more confusion. Per a report from Diamondbacks beat writer Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic, Marte is now traveling back to Arizona to undergo an MRI on his knee.
This injury came to the forefront last Friday during the D-backs 2-0 win over the Atlanta Braves. Marte left the contest in the bottom of the second inning due to left knee soreness, missed Saturday’s game and then returned to play second for the series finale on Sunday.
Lovullo pointed out that he had been dealing with the ailment since early August and has been trying to “gut it out,” but his return to the field on Sunday and the expectation for him to play in Boston made it seem like a minor hiccup.
While the injury itself is concerning for the Diamondbacks, the bizarre circumstances leading up to Marte’s flight back to Arizona are still the much bigger story. More details are certainly needed to fill in the gaps between him coming to Boston with the team with the expectation to play Monday, mysteriously not reporting to the ballpark, and then returning home for an MRI.
The Diamondbacks will play game two against the Red Sox tonight at 7:10 p.m. ET, though much of the focus will undoubtedly be on Marte’s situation.
