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Ketel Marte returns, but Diamondbacks fans largely boo

9/2/2026

26 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Marte Returns

Ketel Marte returned Monday night as Arizona’s designated hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies.
He recorded one hit, one walk in a 2-1 loss while fans largely booed.
Marte had missed games since Aug. 17 after a no-show in Boston and was placed on the injured list.
He said his body hurt, he let down manager Torey Lovullo, and gave no message to fans.

Summary

Marte Blocks Trades

General manager Mike Hazen held a 45-minute meeting with veterans to gauge reactions to Marte’s return.
Marte’s 10-and-5 rights block any trade without his consent despite his $94 million contract.
The Diamondbacks tried trading Marte last winter but received no offers from the Red Sox or other clubs.
Manager Torey Lovullo said he felt betrayed by Marte’s lack of communication and stressed need for emotional support.

History

Historical Context

On August 12, 1994 the MLB strike began, lasted 232 days, cancelled the World Series for the first time since 1904 and cost owners $580 million. The work stoppage cut average attendance about 20% in 1995 and helped trigger the Montreal Expos’ decline that ended with relocation. Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte’s August 17 no-show and manager Torey Lovullo’s rebuke revive those old player-team tensions.

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Marte Returns

Ketel Marte returned Monday night as Arizona’s designated hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies.
He recorded one hit, one walk in a 2-1 loss while fans largely booed.
Marte had missed games since Aug. 17 after a no-show in Boston and was placed on the injured list.
He said his body hurt, he let down manager Torey Lovullo, and gave no message to fans.

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