In a pivotal setback to their playoff chase, the Arizona Diamondbacks have placed their standout second baseman, Ketel Marte, on the 10-day injured list. The decision comes in the wake of Marte's continuous battle with a sprained left ankle.
An Untimely Injury
The troublesome ankle injury dates back to August 10th during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The mishap occurred when Garrett Stubbs collided with Marte in a tag play at second base, leaving Marte with a sprain that has not fully healed. Despite pushing through the discomfort, Marte has aggravated the injury on two separate occasions since the initial incident, prompting the Diamondbacks to finally take a more cautious approach.
The team's decision to allow Marte some recovery time is seen as a prudent move, especially given his critical role in the Diamondbacks’ lineup. His absence, however, leaves a considerable void in a roster that is eyeing a deep playoff run.
Pavin Smith Recalled
In response to Marte’s placement on the injured list, the Diamondbacks have recalled Pavin Smith from Triple-A. Smith, an outfielder and first baseman, offers a versatile option for the team as they look to maintain their competitive edge in Marte's absence. With Marte sidelined, Kevin Newman is anticipated to assume the role of primary second baseman for the Diamondbacks.
Marte’s Stellar Season
Marte’s contributions to the Diamondbacks this season have been nothing short of remarkable. In his age-30 season, he has played 116 games and showcased a standout performance with a .298 batting average, a .370 on-base percentage, and a formidable .560 slugging percentage. His impressive statistics don’t stop there—having launched 30 home runs this season, Marte has achieved an outstanding OPS+ of 157, reflecting his overall value to the team’s offensive efforts.
Playoff Picture
The Diamondbacks, currently clutching onto the second National League wild-card spot with a 69-56 record, find themselves in a bitter fight for playoff positioning. They trail the San Diego Padres, who hold the top wild-card position, by a slim margin of one game. Meanwhile, they are also looking up at the first-place Dodgers in the NL West, who are four games ahead.
Given the tight standings, Marte’s absence could not come at a more challenging time for Arizona. The team's performance in the coming days will be crucial as they navigate through the remainder of the season without their star second baseman.
Looking Forward
The recall of Pavin Smith suggests that the Diamondbacks are hoping for some flexibility and possibly an extra boost in their lineup. Smith’s versatility may offer Manager Torey Lovullo some strategic options as the team adapts to playing without Marte. Also, with Kevin Newman stepping into the primary second baseman role, the Diamondbacks will need every bit of consistent play from him to weather this storm.
As the Diamondbacks aim to keep their playoff hopes alive, the focus will be on maintaining their current momentum. Marte’s recovery and potential return will undoubtedly be keenly awaited by fans and teammates alike, who know just how pivotal he has been to the team’s success this season.