Diamondbacks Veterans Back Ketel Marte Return for Aug. 31 Opener After 45-Minute Meeting
Updated
Updated · The Arizona Republic · Aug 30
Diamondbacks Veterans Back Ketel Marte Return for Aug. 31 Opener After 45-Minute Meeting
3 articles · Updated · The Arizona Republic · Aug 30
Summary
A 45-minute meeting between Diamondbacks veterans and team officials ended with players signaling they are ready to welcome Ketel Marte back when he is activated Monday for the Phillies series.
Aug. 31 now shapes up as Marte’s return date because teammates concluded the club’s best chance to win the final month is with him on the roster despite lingering frustration over his recent absence.
Marte missed an Aug. 17 game in Boston, was placed on the restricted list, then moved to the injured list after an MRI found left-knee inflammation and he received an injection.
Lovullo said Marte already apologized to him and GM Mike Hazen, but he has not yet addressed teammates or reporters; the manager said a team apology could help galvanize the group.
Arizona players including Nolan Arenado and Geraldo Perdomo said the focus is shifting back to baseball as the Diamondbacks try to climb back into the playoff race.