The Arizona Diamondbacks placed All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte on the 10-day injured list Thursday with left knee inflammation, just three days after he failed to show up for the series opener against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Marte had traveled with the club to Boston but was absent when the lineup was submitted shortly before first pitch Monday. The team placed him on the restricted list citing a personal issue. Manager Torey Lovullo described it as a crazy day with very little coming back from the player after earlier conversations.
An MRI confirmed inflammation in the left knee. General manager Mike Hazen said Marte received an injection and could return once the minimum stint ends. Because of the restricted list, the injured list time cannot be backdated. A meeting involving Marte, his agent, Hazen and Lovullo was described as productive.
Marte sat out all three games of the Boston series. The Diamondbacks lost 11-1 in the opener. Arizona, one game behind in the National League wild-card race, brought up Jose Fernandez. Third baseman Nolan Arenado also missed the opener with trunk discomfort.
Marte has a prior restricted list stay last season after flying to the Dominican Republic following a home burglary. Club officials have noted a need for answers and apologies from the three-time All-Star.
Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall labeled the absence bizarre, noting Marte appeared fine before the no-show. Hazen expects Marte to rejoin before the end of the season. The soonest return would be August 30 as the Diamondbacks face a packed schedule of 10 games in nine days.