Ketel Marte restricted list, explained: Why Diamondbacks star is away from team and what's next for infielder originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Diamondbacks are in the thick of the NL wild-card race after a hot start to the second half, but they are going to need all hands on deck to beat out one of the Padres and Phillies to snag a postseason berth. On Monday night, they didn't have every hand available, to their surprise. Former All-Star 2B Ketel Marte was placed on the restricted list minutes before Arizona's game against the Red Sox, and reports about his whereabouts created even more confusion about his status. Here's what you need to know about the Diamondbacks placing Marte on the restricted list and what's next for the second baseman. MORE:Why Dave Roberts is right to rip Dodgers for 'below-average' baseball Why is Ketel Marte on MLB restricted list? Marte did not report to Fenway Park for Monday's game, according to multiple reports that were confirmed by manager Torey Lovullo. Marte is dealing with a personal issue, Lovullo said, but the manager told reporters he struggled to get information out of the second baseman. "There was very little coming back," Lovullo said, though he indicated he was aware of a personal situation involving Marte as early as Monday morning. Lovullo said there was "a lot of curiosity" about Marte's whereabouts within the clubhouse but added that the team relaxed once they found out he was okay. The Diamondbacks evidently were willing to give Marte the benefit of the doubt, as they held off on submitting a lineup until close to first pitch in hopes he would show up and serve as the designated hitter. When he didn't show up, Arizona placed Marte on the restricted list and activated infielder Jose Fernandez. Marte was seen at the bar of the team's Boston hotel after the game Monday night, insider John Gambadoro reported. Here's more to know about the restricted list. MORE:Why Tommy John's legacy goes beyond namesake surgery What is the restricted list in baseball? The restricted list is reserved for players who remain under contract with their team but are no longer physically with the team for any number of reasons. A player's placement on the list must be approved by MLB, and that player does not have to be paid by his team. Because there are mechanisms to deal with other types of absences, such as bereavement or paternity leave, players on the restricted list are often away from their team without permission. Marte has been placed on the restricted list before, as he missed three games in 2025 after his home was broken into. Despite his home being in Scottsdale, Arizona, Marte spent that time in the Dominican Republic and later apologized after reportedly causing frustration within the clubhouse. What's next for Ketel Marte? The Diamondbacks can activate Marte at any point. Whether they plan to do so in the days ahead is unclear. "I haven't got that far," Lovullo told reporters when asked about Marte's status for Tuesday and beyond. "I need a good night's rest, a glass of wine and we'll think about that." On Tuesday, Marte returned to Arizona to undergo an MRI on his knee, The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro reported.
Ketel Marte is returning to Arizona to undergo an MRI on his knee, according to a source. — Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) August 18, 2026 The latest saga involving Marte is sure to bring another round of trade speculation this offseason, but with the deadline passed, that isn't an option for Arizona right now. Outright releasing Marte seems unthinkable given how critical he is to the Diamondbacks' chances in a postseason race, but the level of frustration within the organization isn't clear. MORE:How Cardinals' Joshua Baez made history in MLB debut Torey Lovullo comments on Ketel Marte After the game, Lovullo attempted to shed some light on the situation. "It's been a crazy day. All I know is that he's dealing with a personal issue. We're just trying to figure that out," Lovullo told reporters. "He didn't show up today, and he was put on the restricted list. That's as much as I know right now. I'm sure in time, we'll start to uncover some information." Lovullo insinuated that Marte's decision to not show up didn't come out of nowhere, as he said he was in contact with the second baseman about a personal issue, but the veteran manager explained that he didn't get many answers from Marte. "I just love him and I care for him," an emotional Lovullo said.
Torey Lovullo appeared to get emotional during the postgame when answering questions about Ketel Marte He made clear Ketel is ok, but all he knows at this moment is he is dealing with a personal matter pic.twitter.com/nVCFVUgxVG — Logan🌵 (@phxlogan) August 18, 2026 Diamondbacks head of baseball operations Mike Hazen told The Arizona Republic that Marte's absence was "unfortunate," adding, "I’ll leave it at that." Marte traveled to Boston with the team and was still in the city as of Monday night, Hazen said.