The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed All-Star infielder Ketel Marte on the restricted list after he failed to appear for the team’s game against the Boston Red Sox on Monday, August 17, at Fenway Park. Team executives confirmed they remain unaware of the circumstances surrounding his absence.
Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall described the situation as a 'complete mystery' during a radio interview on Thursday, August 20, stating that the organization still lacks a clear explanation for Marte’s whereabouts or reasons for not reporting. General manager Mike Hazen has requested a meeting with Marte to address the issue, though no timeline for the discussion has been confirmed.
Marte’s agent, Charisse Espinosa-Dash, issued a statement on Wednesday, August 19, indicating he is managing a personal matter and undergoing an MRI on his knee. The statement did not specify whether the knee issue is related to his absence or if it would qualify him for the injured list, which would allow him to be paid during his absence.
MLB rules designate the restricted list as an unpaid status, while the injured list provides compensation. The Diamondbacks have not indicated whether they will pursue a change in his status. Marte has been a key player for Arizona since 2017, and his absence comes amid trade deadline discussions.
Team manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged after the game that the organization had received 'very little coming back' from Marte regarding his absence. As of Thursday, the team had not confirmed Marte’s location or whether he remained in Boston. The Diamondbacks have not provided further updates on his status or the requested meeting.