Something unusual is going on with Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte, though manager Torey Lovullo made one thing clear: Marte is physically OK.
Marte failed to show up for Monday’s game against the Boston Red Sox despite traveling with the Diamondbacks from Atlanta to Boston, according to multiple reports.
Arizona has since placed the three-time All-Star on the restricted list.
Lovullo said Marte was dealing with a personal matter and acknowledged that the team had difficulty communicating with him. But when asked about the situation following Arizona’s 11-1 loss, the manager became emotional.
“I love him, and I care for him,” Lovullo told reporters. “He’ll be OK. He is fine. I want you guys to know that I just care about him. So does everybody in that room.”
Lovullo did not reveal any additional details about what Marte is dealing with.
Players can be placed on MLB’s restricted list when they are unavailable for personal, legal or other non-baseball reasons. They are removed from the active roster and generally do not receive their salary while on the list.
It marks the second time Marte has been placed on the restricted list during his career.
The 32-year-old second baseman has appeared in 118 games this season, batting .249 with 21 home runs, 67 RBI and 65 runs scored.
For the moment, however, baseball appears secondary.
Lovullo’s emotional reaction understandably raised concern, but his assurance that Marte is physically OK was an important one.
Exactly what’s happening remains private, and the Diamondbacks aren’t saying much more.
