Full Breakdown
Ketel Marte’s Unexplained Absence Raises Concern for Arizona Diamondbacks
8/18/2026, 7:54:27 PM
Missing Player Sparks Concern
On Monday, August 17, the Arizona Diamondbacks faced the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park without three-time All-Star shortstop Ketel Marte, who failed to appear for the game. Manager Torey Lovullo said the team placed Marte on the restricted list after he did not show up. Arizona lost 11-1.
Background & Recent History
Marte, 32, traveled with the club for the three-game series that began that night. He previously spent time on the restricted list last season after a break-in at his Scottsdale, Arizona home; he then flew to the Dominican Republic and missed three games, describing himself as “in a bad spot.” General manager Mike Hazen later called the current absence “unfortunate.”
Official Statements & Responses
Lovullo told reporters the situation involved a personal issue that the team is still trying to understand. He emphasized that the organization is treating the matter as a family matter and will support the player while seeking more information. Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, a close friend of Marte, said he had not spoken with the missing player and was unaware of any details.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All I know is that he’s dealing with a personal issue. We’re just trying to figure that out. He didn’t show up today, and he was put on the restricted list. That’s as much as I know right now. I’m sure in time, we’ll start to uncover some information.” — Torey Lovullo, diamondbacks manager
- “We deal with a lot as baseball managers and coaches and teachers,” — Torey Lovullo, diamondbacks manager
- “I know there’s an elephant in the room and I’ll just say what I want to say about it,” — Torey Lovullo, diamondbacks manager
What’s Next
The Diamondbacks and Red Sox are scheduled to resume the series on Tuesday, August 18, at Fenway Park. No further information about Marte’s whereabouts or future status with the team has been released.
