PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday were engaged in full-damage-control mode after All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte issued a public apology over going silent after the All-Star break.
The Ketel Marte apology followed days of organizational and outside criticism which only escalated. Before Marte spoke to reporters, General Manager Mike Hazen and manager Torey Lovullo held a number of meetings.
Lovullo commended his player for taking accountability. “I’m proud of him for taking that step. For him to do that, that’s not easy to do, and he showed some vulnerability yesterday,” Lovullo said. “Pushed all the way, he dug in the way he did and there I am really proud of him.
The controversy explained
Ketel Marte apology is available because he went on a small vacation in the Dominican Republic after the All-Star Game, rather than joining his teammates right away. Marte missed the Diamondbacks’ opening two contests with a St. Louis Cardinals based promotion without informing team officials, including one related to his newly minted bobblehead.
Consequently, the club suspended him without pay and placed him on the restricted list, however, he was not subject to further discipline.
Marte addresses his critics
Marte Oliveira, speaking through interpreter Rolando Valles, said he disappointed his teammates. He wants to express publicly that he regrets not having backed that up. He was just agitated and in a bad place. Valles said, “He really wants to apologise for his teammates and everyone else.
The Ketel Marte regret was likewise made to clear up any residual tension with personnel who were irritated by his absence without notification. Even given the criticism from within, Marte insists he continues to have the support of his teammates.
Injury history and workload concerns
Marte has lost 168 games since 2021, including 33 this year. He explained that scheduled days off are part of a recovery plan to help him remain on the field longer. Some critics have insinuated he only takes days off when not injured, and Marte tells me that only lights a fire under him to prove them wrong.
Future with the Diamondbacks
Marte, who signed a contract extension this spring that runs through 2031, reaffirmed his loyalty to the Diamondbacks. In the 2023-24 season, he will become a full 10-and-5 player, and be able to veto any trade.
Valles said: “He’s been here for nine years and he tries to come out and play hard and do what he can to help the team. Always wants to be a D-back and help the organization.
The Diamondbacks are open to trade discussions this winter, but there is little expectation among baseball insiders that any team will pay the price for a three-time All-Star who is signed for six more years and $92.5 million guaranteed money in total.
Diamondbacks’ perspective
Manager Torey Lovullo stressed that it was time to turn the page. I know he has a good teammate. He plays every single day, hard, for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s only concerned with winning baseball games. That’s it,” Lovullo said.
While the Ketel Marte apology may have alleviated some unease behind the scenes for the time being, it also revealed the fine line the Diamondbacks are walking between keeping a new face of the franchise and the trade rumor mill.
FAQ
Ketel Marte drew some internal criticism for being a no-show for games after the All-Star break, an absence he later apologized for.
Indeed, he was suspended without pay for two games and placed on the restricted list but otherwise received no punishment.
While the team will listen to offers this winter, a trade is unlikely due to the contract he is on, and in turn his value.
Marte is under contract through 2031 and will receive his full 10-and-5 rights next year, allowing him to veto any trades.
Marte has missed 168 games since 2021, 33 of them this season.
