In a serious setback to their postseason aspirations, the Arizona Diamondbacks have placed their star second baseman Ketel Marte on the 10-day injured list, owing to a sprained left ankle that has turned into a persistent affliction.
The root of Marte's injury traces back to an August 10th game against the Philadelphia Phillies. During a tag play at second base, catcher Garrett Stubbs collided with Marte, sparking an injury that continued to trouble the Diamondbacks' linchpin. Despite attempts to push through the pain, multiple tweaks to the ankle have led the team to prioritize Marte's healing process over immediate availability.
In a corresponding roster move, the Diamondbacks have recalled Pavin Smith from Triple-A. Smith, known for his versatility as both an outfielder and first baseman, is expected to add flexibility and potentially inject some energy into the lineup.
Marte’s Impressive Season Stat Line
Ketel Marte, in his age-30 season, has been nothing short of exceptional. Over the course of 116 games, Marte has achieved a brilliant .298 batting average, boasting an on-base percentage of .370 and a slugging percentage of .560. His performance has culminated in an outstanding 157 OPS+, underscoring his vital role in the Diamondbacks’ offense.
The switch-hitting second baseman has also launched 30 home runs, making his absence even more significant as the Diamondbacks strive to secure their playoff berth.
Standing in the National League
Currently, the Diamondbacks hold the second National League wild-card spot with an impressive 69-56 record. They are just one game behind the San Diego Padres, who occupy the top wild-card position, and trail the first-place Dodgers in the NL West by four games. Each game and every performance takes on critical importance as they navigate this tightly contested race.
Next Man Up: Kevin Newman
In Marte’s hiatus, Kevin Newman is expected to fill the shoes at second base. Newman’s reliability and experience will be crucial for the Diamondbacks as they aim to maintain their competitive edge.
Still, the move to recall Pavin Smith illustrates the Diamondbacks' strategic approach to mitigate Marte’s absence. Smith’s call-up is not just about filling the roster but also about introducing a potential spark that could prove pivotal in the final stretch of the season.
Ketel Marte’s journey this season has embodied both prodigious talent and relentless will. Despite the setback, his contributions have undoubtedly positioned the Diamondbacks as formidable contenders in the National League. As the race for the playoffs heats up, the team hopes that a recuperated Marte will regain his form and reinforce their bid for postseason success.