Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte did not show up for his club's matchup with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Monday. Marte is the only person who knows the answer to that question. The Diamondbacks elected to place him on the restricted list in order to open a roster spot for the game, recalling utility infielder Jose Fernandez.
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo then claimed that the absence was related to a "personal issue" following the eventual loss, explaining that "there wasn't a lot coming back" in terms of an explanation from the player. Arizona Sports 98.7 FM's John Gambadoro then claimed that the three-time All-Star was seen at the hotel bar around 11 p.m. If that isn't a whirlwind of thoughts, opinions, and actions, nothing is.
The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro, who has been covering the story on-site, reported perhaps the most easily understandable update yet on Tuesday, sharing that the veteran infielder will be returning to Arizona to undergo an MRI. Marte has been dealing with left knee discomfort over the last week, leaving after just one inning against the Atlanta Braves on Friday. The Diamondbacks must not be too concerned with the injury, however, as they placed him on the restricted list -- which is reserved for "personal, legal or non-baseball reasons" -- and not the injured list.
It's unclear if they'd be willing to go this far, but placing a player on the injured list does give the organization an option to hold back pay. Marte was also placed on the restricted list last season when he was away from the team following the burglary of his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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