Ketel Marte’s Unexplained Absence and Return Timeline

On August 18, 2026, Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte was scheduled to start as the designated hitter in an away game against the Boston Red Sox but did not appear at Fenway Park. The club delayed its lineup announcement until shortly before first pitch and subsequently placed Marte on the restricted list. After returning to Phoenix for medical evaluation, an MRI on his left knee revealed inflammation, and the team moved him to the 10-day injured list on August 21, 2026. The IL stint began on August 20, 2026 (local time) and will run for ten days, making him eligible to return as early as August 30, 2026.

Ketel Marte, Following Unauthorized Absence and Return, Placed on IL with Left Knee Inflammation

Marte’s disappearance followed a prior restricted-list episode last season when his Arizona home was broken into during the All-Star break. The incident drew media attention because it occurred amid the Diamondbacks’ push for a Wild-Card berth, with the club trailing the San Diego Padres by one game in the National League West.

Ketel Marte, Following Unauthorized Absence and Return, Placed on IL with Left Knee Inflammation

• Season to date: .249/.314/.446 line, .760 OPS, 21 HR, 67 RBI in 118 games.

Bleacher Report

• Team record: 67-61, .523 winning percentage, third in the NL West, one game behind the final Wild-Card spot.

Ketel Marte, Following Unauthorized Absence and Return, Placed on IL with Left Knee Inflammation

• Contract: six-year, $116.5 million deal signed in April 2025, with a player option for 2031.

Ketel Marte, Following Unauthorized Absence and Return, Placed on IL with Left Knee Inflammation

General Manager Mike Hazen declined to disclose details of the meeting held on August 21, describing it as “productive” and indicating that Marte will speak with teammates after the IL period.

Ketel Marte, Following Unauthorized Absence and Return, Placed on IL with Left Knee Inflammation

Photographs captured Marte inside a Scottsdale casino on the night the Diamondbacks faced the Cincinnati Reds, fueling public criticism despite no violation of team policy. The images circulated on social media and were referenced in multiple outlet reports.

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• Return date: Sources differ on whether Marte will be activated on August 30 or later in the month.

Ketel Marte, Following Unauthorized Absence and Return, Placed on IL with Left Knee Inflammation

• Reason for absence: Reports vary between a personal matter, knee inflammation, and the casino sighting, with no definitive explanation from Marte himself.

Ketel Marte, Following Unauthorized Absence and Return, Placed on IL with Left Knee Inflammation

• “We’re trying to create the softest space for him to re-emerge back in this environment,” — Torey Lovullo, manager

New York Post

• “I felt betrayed. And that’s a whole different type of pain and frustration. But I’m through that.” — Ketel Marte

Bozeman Daily Chronicle

• “But we've got 30-something games left and hopefully we can get him back and it'll give us a nice little push into the playoffs.” — Reliever Kevin Ginkel

Bozeman Daily Chronicle

The earliest eligibility date is August 30, 2026, positioning Marte to potentially appear in the upcoming series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Diamondbacks have indicated that Marte is expected to address his teammates soon, though the meeting’s outcome remains unreported. The team’s playoff hopes hinge on his health and availability for the remaining games of the season.

Sports Illustrated