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

The Arizona Diamondbacks are optimistic that three-time All-Star Ketel Marte will return to their lineup within the next week, approximately two weeks after he vanished from the team before a game in Boston. Manager Torey Lovullo revealed on Monday that the plan is for the second baseman to rejoin the team for a home series against the Philadelphia Phillies, which begins on August 31st.

Initially placed on the restricted list, Marte was subsequently moved to the 10-day injured list due to mild inflammation in his left knee. Lovullo believes there is a clear strategy in place to have Marte back on the field and healthy.

Marte has not yet spoken to his teammates about the reason behind his sudden departure during a crucial playoff race. The Diamondbacks were sitting at a 69-62 record on Monday, trailing the San Diego Padres by just two games for the National League's final wild-card spot. This marks the second time in consecutive years that Marte has gone AWOL from the team, with his previous absence occurring last season when his home in Arizona was burglarized during the All-Star break.

He missed three games after returning home to the Dominican Republic and later apologized for his absence.

Lovullo emphasized that Marte is a private individual and the team aims to create a comfortable environment for him to rejoin the team. He acknowledged that Marte goes to the rhythm of his own drum and respects his decision on how to re-emerge. Lovullo also addressed concerns about potential fan reactions upon Marte's return, stating that Ketel is a loving young man and the team wants to rally around him instead of facing any booing.