Diamondbacks place Ketel Marte on restricted list: What we know

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 66-59, third place in the National League West and eight games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers. Usually a team where the offense does most of the work, it has been the pitching doing most of the lifting this season. Arizona has been playing some good baseball lately, winning 17 of their last 28 games dating back to July 18. However, before the beginning of their three-game set at the Boston Red Sox, second baseman Ketel Marte was mysteriously put on the restricted list. As of Monday night, no official explanation has been given by the Diamondbacks. The news was announced shortly before the team’s game at 7:10 p.m. ET by Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. What is known Piecoro made another post on X saying that Marte is doing fine physically, he simply did not go to Fenway Park for the game. The second baseman has played in 118 of the team’s 125 games this year. As a result of his absence, the Diamondbacks did not release a lineup until about 10 minutes before first pitch. It was Illdemaro Vargas getting the start at second base and batting leadoff instead of Marte. The 32-year-old was on the restricted list during the 2025 season as well, when his home was burglarized during the All-Star break. When he took some time off throughout the remainder of the season, it reportedly led to some unrest within the club. It is worth mentioning that Marte is under the effect of the 10-and-5 rule. The rule means that a player with 10 or more years of service time and five or more years with one organization can block any trade if they desire. MORE: Mariners manager reveals reason behind Bryan Woo’s early exit in 24th start Potential effects Aug 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) drops his bat after drawing a walk against Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) The second baseman is in year two of a seven-year, $116.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks. That would of course suggest he wants to remain with them long-term. However, if Arizona tries to trade him in the offseason he will have discretion over where that is. This is Marte’s 10th season in Arizona, and it has been somewhat of a tumultuous tenure recently. This current stint on the restricted list might have some effect on the team like it did in 2025. It is unclear how long Marte will be out of action for, but they will need him back soon if they are to make the playoffs. He is slashing .249/.314/.446 (.760 OPS) with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs this season. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —