Ketel Marte apologizes to Torey Lovullo, will address D-backs - ESPN

PHOENIX — Ketel Marte was back at the ballpark Monday and in the lineup for the Arizona Diamondbacks, two weeks after the three-time All-Star's unexpected no-show before a game in Boston left the team scrambling.

The exact reasons for his head-scratching absence are still a little vague.

Marte addressed the media before Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Phillies and apologized to manager Torey Lovullo for the way he handled the situation, which has turned into a sizable distraction as the Diamondbacks attempt to return to the postseason for the first time since 2023.

«In that instance, I failed [Lovullo] by not showing up,» Marte said through an interpreter. «That morning I woke up, my body was in pain and I just couldn't react. No one made the decision for me. I'm the one who made the decision to not show up.»

Marte was initially put on the restricted list after failing to show up for the game in Boston, but then moved to the 10-day injured list with mild inflammation in his left knee. The D-backs went 7-6 during his absence.

The 32-year-old Marte, who was listed as the designated hitter batting cleanup Monday, should restore some punch to an inconsistent lineup. Arizona held a half-game lead over the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild card as it opened an important three-game series against the Phillies.

Marte was hitting .249 with 21 homers and 67 RBIs this season. He said he would address his teammates before Monday's game.

«I'm going to stand up in front of them and ask for forgiveness,» Marte said. «We're human — we all commit mistakes.»

Marte's teammates have been mostly supportive of the second baseman, though there has been some frustration about the timing of his absence, which has