In a pivotal moment for their playoff ambitions, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been dealt a severe setback as star second baseman Ketel Marte has been placed on the 10-day injured list. This decision follows a recurring sprain in his left ankle, initially sustained on August 10th during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The injury occurred when Garrett Stubbs collided with Marte in a tag play at second base, causing the initial sprain. Since then, Marte has aggravated the injury twice, prompting the team to prioritize his health and place him on the injured list. The Diamondbacks' management believes this move is crucial for his full recovery, given his central role in their success this season.
Marte’s Remarkable Season
In his age-30 season, Marte has been nothing short of phenomenal. Over the course of 116 games, he boasts an impressive .298 batting average, complemented by a .370 on-base percentage and a .560 slugging percentage. These stats cumulatively result in a stellar OPS+ of 157, underscoring his elite performance at the plate. In addition to his consistent hitting, Marte has showcased his power by slugging 30 home runs.
Marte's absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Diamondbacks, who are currently holding onto the second National League wild-card spot with a solid 69-56 record. The team trails the San Diego Padres for the top wild-card position by a narrow margin of one game and is four games behind the first-place Dodgers in the competitive NL West race.
Kevin Newman Steps In
In response to Marte's injury, Kevin Newman is poised to take over as the primary second baseman for the Diamondbacks. Newman, an experienced infielder, will now carry the mantle in a critical stretch of the season. His performance will be closely watched as the Diamondbacks seek to maintain their playoff position.
A Strategic Recall
In a corresponding roster move, the Diamondbacks have recalled outfielder and first baseman Pavin Smith from Triple-A. Smith's return to the big leagues indicates the team's desire for greater flexibility and potentially a spark in their lineup as they navigate this challenging period without Marte. The management hopes that Smith can contribute offensively and provide depth in the field.
The Diamondbacks' strategy and decisions will be under significant scrutiny in the coming weeks. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the performance of newly promoted players and the adjustments made by the coaching staff will play a crucial role in determining the team's fortunes.
As the race for the wild-card spots tightens, the Diamondbacks will need to leverage every ounce of talent and experience within their roster. The hope is that Marte’s stint on the injured list will be brief, allowing him to return fully recovered and ready to contribute during the critical stretch of the season.