The Arizona Diamondbacks activated All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte from the 10-day injured list on Friday. Marte has been sidelined since August 18th after aggravating a left ankle sprain that he originally suffered the week before. Outfielder Jorge Barrosa has been optioned to Triple-A Reno in a corresponding move.
Marte was in the middle of the National League MVP discussion before injuring his ankle in an awkward collision with Philadelphia Phillies backup catcher Garrett Stubbs on August 10th. He was originally considered day-to-day and was pushing through the pain before re-aggravating his injured ankle against the Rays. But after a near month-long recovery process, the defending NLCS MVP is back in the lineup for Friday’s series opener against the Houston Astros.
Cleared 4⃣ takeoff. ? pic.twitter.com/l8d6dxtJwl
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 6, 2024
Diamondbacks Star Second Baseman Ketel Marte Activated from Injured List
In 116 games this year, Marte leads the Diamondbacks with 30 homers while his .298/.370/.560 batting line translates to an elite 150 wRC+. His 5.4 fWAR before going on the injured list ranked fourth in the National League. Even without his production, the Diamondbacks have been rolling. Since the All-Star break, Arizona has been the hottest offense in baseball. Even with Marte sidelined, they have still averaged 6.7 runs per game.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said the 30-year-old infielder will spend some time as the designated hitter before retaking his second base job on an everyday basis. Arizona will manage Marte’s return carefully, as they have with Christian Walker, who returned from an oblique strain on Tuesday.
Marte will bat leadoff as the Diamondbacks DH as they begin a crucial three-game home series against the Astros. The Diamondbacks are 79-62, putting them in position to clinch the second National League Wild Card spot. They are only a half-game behind the San Diego Padres, who have the top spot. However, they have just a 2 1/2 game hold over the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets.
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