In what can only be described as a significant setback for the Arizona Diamondbacks' playoff hopes, star second baseman Ketel Marte has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a sprained left ankle. This decision comes after Marte had been dealing with the injury since August 10th when he collided with Garrett Stubbs of the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at second base.
A Lingering Issue
The initial incident seemed to be just an unfortunate mishap, but Marte's ankle proved to be more troublesome than first thought. Over the subsequent weeks, Marte exacerbated the injury twice, leaving the team with little choice but to opt for a period of rest and recovery for their standout player. The move, while detrimental to the team's immediate fortunes, is seen as essential for Marte's longer-term health and performance.
Marte's Stellar Season
For Marte, this injury comes amidst a phenomenal season. At 30 years old, the second baseman has tallied an impressive .298 batting average, with a robust .370 on-base percentage and a .560 slugging percentage, resulting in an outstanding 157 OPS+. Additionally, his powerful presence at the plate has netted him 30 home runs across 116 games, underscoring his critical role in the Diamondbacks' lineup.
Diamondbacks' Playoff Picture
At the time of Marte's placement on the injured list, the Diamondbacks are clinging to the second National League wild-card spot with a 69-56 record. They trail the San Diego Padres, who hold the top wild-card position, by just one game and are four games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. With the playoff race heating up, losing a key player like Marte could have a palpable impact on their pursuit of a postseason berth.
Next Man Up: Kevin Newman
The Diamondbacks are expected to rely on Kevin Newman as the primary second baseman in Marte's absence. Newman's ability to step up will be crucial for the team as they navigate this pivotal stretch of the season. Newman's experience and steady glove work are seen as vital assets, but replacing Marte's offensive production will undoubtedly be a collective effort.
Opportunity for Pavin Smith
In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks have recalled Pavin Smith from Triple-A. Known for his versatility as both an outfielder and first baseman, Smith's addition gives the team some much-needed flexibility. Manager Torey Lovullo will likely leverage Smith's ability to play multiple positions in an effort to keep the lineup dynamic and perhaps ignite a spark as they push towards securing their playoff position.
Marte's absence is undeniably a significant blow, but the Diamondbacks, only a game out of the top wild-card spot, remain in the heat of contention. The upcoming games will be crucial for the team's playoff aspirations, and how they adapt to Marte's absence will be a testament to their resilience and depth. With teams like the Padres and Dodgers continuing to perform at high levels, the Diamondbacks’ ability to stay competitive without their star second baseman is a storyline that will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.