Ketel Marte (32) of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who caused a controversy in Major League Baseball (MLB) for an unauthorized absence, has returned after 14 days.

Marte started as the cleanup hitter (No. 4 designated hitter) in a home game against the Philadelphia Phillies held today (Sept. 1) at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

This was Marte's first game appearance since he was placed on the restricted list after failing to show up for an away game against the Boston Red Sox on August 18.

After meeting with General Manager Mike Hazen and Manager Torey Lovullo to apologize for his unauthorized absence, Marte was placed on the 10-day injured list (IL) citing left knee inflammation.

Although Marte sparked further controversy when he was spotted at a casino during his rehab period, the Arizona club defended him, stating, "It was not a violation of club rules."

Speaking at a press conference before today's game after being activated from the IL, Marte explained the background of his unauthorized absence, saying, "I woke up in the morning at the Boston hotel with severe knee pain, and I was going through a very difficult time mentally."

However, the reaction from fans was cold.

When Marte stepped up to the plate for his first at-bat in the bottom of the second inning, the majority of Arizona fans booed him.

Marte also left the team and was placed on the restricted list last year.

Marte finished his return game going 1-for-3 with a walk.

Arizona, which lost 2-1, dropped to third place in the National League (NL) West division.

They also fell to fourth place in the league wildcard standings, trailing the San Diego Padres by half a game.

Marte, who holds a career Major League batting average of .278 with 192 home runs and 654 RBIs over 12 seasons, signed a six-year contract worth 116.5 million dollars (approx. 161 billion KRW) with Arizona in April of last year.

This season, he has recorded a batting average of .250 with 21 home runs, 67 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .760 in 119 games.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)