Ketel Marte’s day off vs. Dodgers reignites old discussions within D-Backs organization

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Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ketel Marte (4) looks on from the dugout before they play the Washington Nationals at Chase Field in Phoenix on May 7, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

PHOENIX — Questions about Ketel Marte’s standing within the Arizona Diamondbacks organization resurfaced this weekend, though they aren’t entirely new.

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Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ketel Marte (4) throws to first base foe the double play against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field in Phoenix on May 7, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Sunday that the All-Star second baseman continues to frustrate some within the organization by opting to take days off. The report comes after Marte did not play in Game 3 of the Diamondbacks’ series against the Los Angeles Dodgers last week. These decisions, according to manager Torey Lovullo, are usually made through discussions between Marte and the coaching staff.

Lovullo explained that decisions like those are often made to prevent a minor issue from becoming a more serious injury, opting to give Marte a day off rather than risk losing him for weeks if the discomfort worsens.

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Jun 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) flys out during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

Marte would eventually return to the lineup for Game 4, hitting the game-winning home run to secure a series split against the reigning World Series champions.

While the latest report stems from last week’s series against Los Angeles, concerns surrounding Marte’s availability are not new in Arizona.

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Jun 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) at bat during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

Last summer, reports surfaced that some within the D-Backs organization were unhappy with the All-Star’s decisions to take days off, dating back to the end of the 2024 season. Some of that frustration reportedly grew after All-Star Weekend, when Marte was placed on the restricted list after not reporting to the team due to personal matters.


The reports fueled speculation about Marte’s long-term future with the club as the trade deadline approached in 2025. Marte ultimately remained with the Diamondbacks and continues to be one of the team’s most productive players. So far this year, the second baseman has played in 61 out of 65 games — one less than team leader Corbin Carroll.

Still, Nightengale’s latest report suggests the issue has not completely disappeared within certain parts of the organization.

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde​

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