{
  "id": 3806187,
  "title": "Diamondbacks Players, Staff Blast Ketel Marte Amid Controversy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/diamondbacks-players-staff-blast-ketel-marte-amid-controversy",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-27T19:51:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/diamondbacks-players-staff-blast-ketel-marte-amid-controversy-12377227"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Arizona Diamondbacks found themselves embroiled in controversy surrounding second baseman Ketel Marte in August. Initially, Marte failed to show up for the opening game of their series against the Boston Red Sox on August 17th. His absence led to a placement on the restricted list after he returned to Arizona for an MRI on his knee without informing the team. Following this, Marte was observed at a casino during a Diamondbacks game. This behavior is not unprecedented; in 2025, Marte took a vacation to the Dominican Republic after the All-Star Game, leading to a public apology. Teammates describe his actions as typical, stating that he simply leaves without alerting the team. An anonymous teammate dismissed his casino appearance as a \"slap in the face\" and \"rubbing people's noses in it.\" Despite these issues, Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen emphasizes the need for a balance between performance and team success. While Marte's recent performance has declined from his 2024 and 2025 All-Star seasons, he remains a valuable asset for the team. With 21 home runs and 67 RBIs this season, he leads the team in both categories. Marte was previously injured in a game against the Atlanta Braves, leading to his absence from the first two games of the series against the Red Sox. Before the Red Sox series, Marte admitted to feeling unneeded due to his poor play. The Diamondbacks, still in contention for a postseason spot, are just one game away from the final wild card position. They hope Marte's return can make an immediate impact and help secure their postseason run.",
  "summary": "Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte's team didn't hold back when asked about his antics earlier this month.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ketel Marte missed opening game, placed on restricted list after undisclosed MRI visit.",
    "Casino appearance during game described as \"slap in the face\" by teammates.",
    "Despite controversy, Marte remains Diamondbacks' top home run and RBI leader this season."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}