The Arizona Diamondbacks faced an unexpected setback as their All-Star second baseman, Ketel Marte, was removed from the active roster on Monday due to a sprained left ankle. This injury occurred after Marte had been playing through the discomfort for eight days, showing his dedication to the team. However, his decision to continue playing ultimately led to an aggravation of the injury, resulting in his placement on the 10-day injured list.
Prior to his injury, Marte had been a driving force in the Diamondbacks’ offensive lineup. With 30 home runs and 81 RBIs in 116 games, he ranked third in the National League for home runs and fifth for RBIs. His offensive production had been crucial in helping Arizona maintain a competitive record of 69-56, keeping them in the race for a wild card spot.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo expressed his concern for Marte’s well-being, acknowledging that the decision to play through the injury may have been detrimental to his recovery. Lovullo emphasized the importance of Marte taking the time to heal properly, indicating that the team did not want to rush his return and risk further injury.
The Diamondbacks, who were 28-13 since the start of July, faced some challenges in Marte’s absence, as they were swept in three games by the Tampa Bay Rays before starting their series in Miami. The team was hopeful that Marte’s absence would be temporary and that his return would strengthen their lineup once again.
Despite Marte’s injury, the Diamondbacks remained optimistic about their performance, recalling Pavin Smith from Triple-A Reno to fill the void left by Marte. Lovullo stated that he did not anticipate Marte undergoing additional tests, indicating that the team was focused on his recovery and eventual return to the lineup.
Ketel Marte’s injury presented a significant challenge for the Arizona Diamondbacks, testing their depth and resilience as a team. While his absence was felt in the lineup, the team remained steadfast in their belief that Marte would make a full recovery and contribute to their success once again.
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