D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said he felt ‘betrayed’ after Ketel Marte’s mysterious disappearance
As the Arizona Diamondbacks inch closer to the postseason, with 34 games remaining in the season, manager Torey Lovullo has expressed his frustration and disappointment over third baseman Ketel Marte’s sudden disappearance from the team during a critical phase. Four days after the incident, the team is still grappling with the consequences.
Manager Lovullo, who faced a barrage of questions from the media, admitted feeling betrayed and extremely frustrated by Marte’s actions. "Once I saw what was unfolding, I became extremely frustrated," Lovullo said. "I felt betrayed. And that's a whole different type of pain and frustration. But I'm through that." Lovullo met with Marte, his agent, and general manager Mike Hazen to discuss the situation, but the details of the conversation remain undisclosed.
Marte, a three-time All-Star and a key player for the D-backs since 2017, was listed as the designated hitter for Monday night's game before his no-show. He has been experiencing left knee inflammation and was subsequently placed on the 10-day injured list. Lovullo emphasized that while Marte had some frustration about his knee, he could have handled the situation better.
The 32-year-old switch-hitter, known for his prodigious skills and well-regarded relationships within the clubhouse, is currently the longest-tenured player on the team and is under contract until 2030. Lovullo expressed his desire to manage baseball games without unnecessary drama, focusing on the team's performance and return to the postseason.
Marte's absence has left teammates and management in a state of confusion, as many were left uninformed about the situation. Kevin Ginkel, a reliever on the team, acknowledged the disappointment but also expressed empathy for Marte, hoping for his mental and physical well-being. However, the team's focus remains on getting the injured player back and regaining their momentum in the playoffs.
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