Ketel Marte could return to Diamondbacks roughly 2 weeks after strange disappearance

PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks anticipate three-time All-Star Ketel Marte will rejoin their lineup within the coming week, approximately two weeks following his unexplained absence prior to a game in Boston. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo disclosed Monday that the team's objective is for the second baseman to rejoin the squad for a home series against the Philadelphia Phillies, commencing on August 31.

Initially assigned to the restricted list due to his disappearance, Marte was subsequently moved to the 10-day injured list due to minor inflammation in his left knee. Lovullo expressed confidence that Marte will be back on the field by the 11th day, as he commenced batting practice on Monday at the team's facility in Scottsdale, with hitting coach Joe Mather reporting positive progress from the 32-year-old veteran.

However, Marte has yet to communicate with his teammates regarding the reason behind his unexpected departure from the team during a critical playoff period. The Diamondbacks were trailing by two games to the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild-card position when they faced the Chicago Cubs on Monday. Marte is no stranger to this behavior, having experienced the same situation last season when his Arizona home was burglarized during the All-Star break, leading to his three-game absence after returning from his native Dominican Republic.

Lovullo emphasized that the team is establishing a comfortable space for Marte to reintegrate into the team environment, leaving the timing of his return to his discretion. The manager also addressed potential fan reactions, stating, "Ketel is a very loving young man. I don't want (booing) to occur. I understand it's a possibility it could happen, but we'll all rally around him."