In a significant setback for their playoff aspirations, the Arizona Diamondbacks have placed star second baseman Ketel Marte on the 10-day injured list due to a sprained left ankle. Marte initially sustained the injury on August 10th during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies when Garrett Stubbs collided with him during a tag play at second base. Since that initial incident, Marte has repeatedly tweaked the ankle, prompting the team to decide that resting him on the injured list is the best course of action for his recovery.
Marte's absence comes at an inopportune time for the Diamondbacks, who are currently vying for a postseason spot. Heading into the final stretch of the season, the Diamondbacks hold the second National League wild-card position with a 69-56 record. They trail the San Diego Padres, who possess the top wild-card spot, by just one game and are four games behind the first-place Dodgers in the NL West.
Marte's Stellar Season
Ketel Marte, now in his age-30 season, has been a key contributor to the Diamondbacks' success this year. Across 116 games, he has posted an impressive .298 batting average, complemented by a .370 on-base percentage and .560 slugging percentage, culminating in an outstanding 157 OPS+. Marte has also powered up for 30 home runs this season, underlining his value both offensively and defensively as the team's second baseman.
With Marte sidelined, the Diamondbacks will turn to Kevin Newman to fill the void at second base. Newman is expected to step in as the primary second baseman during Marte's absence. Additionally, the team has recalled outfielder and first baseman Pavin Smith from Triple-A in a corresponding move, indicating a desire for flexibility and perhaps hoping for a spark in their lineup during this critical juncture of the season.
Next Steps for the Diamondbacks
The move to place Marte on the injured list was not made lightly, but it underscores the importance of having him fully healthy for any potential playoff push. The Diamondbacks' management is certainly aware that without Marte at his best, their chances of making a deep postseason run could be jeopardized.
Pavin Smith's recall serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it provides the team with additional options in the lineup as they navigate through Marte's absence. Secondly, it brings in a player who has experience and versatility, capable of covering multiple positions if needed. Smith's performance in Triple-A has been solid, and the Diamondbacks hope that he can carry that momentum into the major leagues.
As for Kevin Newman, this is his moment to step up and demonstrate that he can handle the responsibilities of being the starting second baseman. Newman's experience and defensive skills will be put to the test, and his performance could play a significant role in how the Diamondbacks fare during this challenging period.
The Road Ahead
Arizona's playoff hopes remain intact, but the road ahead will require resilience and contributions from all corners of the roster. With a narrow margin separating them from the Padres and the ever-looming presence of the Dodgers at the top of the NL West, every game holds immense significance. Marte's return to full strength will be eagerly anticipated, and his teammates will need to step up in the interim to keep the team in contention.
The Diamondbacks' decision to prioritize Marte's health is a prudent one. Sacrificing short-term availability for long-term strength is often a difficult, but necessary, choice in the realm of professional sports. The team and its fans will now be hoping for a swift and complete recovery for their star second baseman, with the ambition of having a fully revitalized Marte leading them through the final push of the season and potentially into the playoffs.