Former Dbacks Closer: Ketel Marte Benefits From MLB's Double Standard

Heath Bell, a former Arizona Diamondbacks closer, has criticized second baseman Ketel Marte for his behavior during the baseball season. Bell argued that if Marte were an American player, he would have faced a more severe reaction from teammates and the public. Marte was placed on the restricted list before the team's game against the Boston Red Sox, and later transferred to the injured list, allowing him to be paid for three days.

Photographic evidence of Marte at a Scottsdale casino emerged while he was with the Diamondbacks, further fueling the controversy. Bell, who spent 11 seasons in the major leagues, including one with the Diamondbacks in 2013, voiced his opinion on the matter during an interview on the Friar Territory podcast. He stated that an American player would have been shunned, with widespread hatred, but Marte's Latin background led to a more lenient response.

Bell compared the situation to the treatment of players involved in steroid use during his career, suggesting that Latin American players sometimes received more leniency. Bell's criticism was not limited to Marte's situation, as he also expressed disappointment in Marte's lack of team focus. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged that Marte's absence caused tension within the organization, describing it as a betrayal.