In a significant setback to their playoff ambitions, the Arizona Diamondbacks have placed star second baseman Ketel Marte on the 10-day injured list. This move comes after Marte sprained his left ankle, an injury initially sustained on August 10th during a match against the Philadelphia Phillies when Garrett Stubbs inadvertently collided with him in a tag play at second base.
Marte, who has been grappling with the ankle issue since the initial incident, has since re-injured it twice more. The persistent nature of the injury has led the Diamondbacks to conclude that placing him on the injured list is the best course of action for his recovery. This decision is pivotal for both Marte's health and the team’s postseason chances.
Marte’s Stellar Season
Ketel Marte, in his age-30 season, has been nothing short of exceptional. Over the course of 116 games this season, he has delivered an impressive .298 batting average, accompanied by a .370 on-base percentage and a .560 slugging percentage. These stellar numbers result in an outstanding 157 OPS+, underlining his critical role in the Diamondbacks' offense.
Adding to his remarkable performance, Marte has also hit 30 home runs this season, solidifying his status as one of the most impactful players in the league. His absence will undoubtedly be felt as the Diamondbacks navigate the final stretch of the season.
Playoff Implications
Currently, the Diamondbacks are clinging to the second National League wild-card spot with a record of 69-56. They trail the San Diego Padres, who hold the top wild-card position, by a narrow margin of one game. The Diamondbacks are also just four games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. The loss of Marte at this critical juncture could have significant implications for their playoff trajectory.
Roster Moves and Adjustments
In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks have recalled outfielder and first baseman Pavin Smith from Triple-A. This recall indicates the team’s need for flexibility in their lineup and a potential spark as they aim to compensate for the absence of Marte.
Kevin Newman is expected to take over as the Diamondbacks’ primary second baseman during Marte’s absence. Newman's stepping up into this role demonstrates both the depth of the Diamondbacks’ roster and the team's need to adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge.
The decision to place Marte on the injured list, while disappointing, is a necessary step to ensure his full recovery. As the Diamondbacks push forward in their quest for a playoff spot, their ability to adapt to these challenges will be crucial. The recall of Pavin Smith and the shift to Kevin Newman as the primary second baseman are strategic moves that could shape the team's fortunes as the season progresses.