Arizona's Ketel Marte Leaves Team Without Notice for Knee Examination

It has been confirmed that Arizona Diamondbacks starting second baseman Ketel Marte, who was placed on the restricted list after leaving the team without authorization, returned to the team's home city for a knee examination.

According to the Associated Press on the 19th (KST), Arizona manager Torey Lovullo expressed bewilderment over the lack of communication with the player ahead of an away game against the Boston Red Sox, stating, "I was informed that Marte traveled to Phoenix to undergo an examination on his left knee."

Marte was originally scheduled to start as the designated hitter in the game against Boston held at Fenway Park the previous day, but he failed to show up at the ballpark without notifying the team.

Manager Lovullo stated at the time that Marte was dealing with a personal matter and that he had attempted to contact him but failed to get a clear response.

Lovullo expressed deep disappointment over Marte's abrupt departure from the team after traveling with them to Boston.

When asked if Marte would be able to play again this season, Lovullo said, "I hope so," emphasizing, "He is one of the best players in the National League, and we need him on our team."

This is not the first time Marte has been placed on the restricted list due to unexpected behavior.

During the All-Star break last year, after his home was burglarized, he left for his hometown of the Dominican Republic without notifying the club, resulting in a three-game absence.

Appearing in 118 games this season with a batting average of 0.249, 21 home runs, and 67 RBIs, Marte is the core of the team's offense.

Currently engaged in a fierce race to secure a National League (NL) wildcard spot, Arizona faces simultaneous setbacks with the unauthorized departure and suspected injury of its key hitter.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.