In a move that could significantly impact their playoff hopes, the Arizona Diamondbacks have placed star second baseman Ketel Marte on the 10-day injured list due to a sprained left ankle. Marte initially sustained the injury on August 10th during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies when he collided with Garrett Stubbs in a tag play at second base. The injury has since been a nagging issue, exacerbated by two subsequent tweaks. The team concluded that placing Marte on the injured list is the best course of action for his recovery.
Replacing Marte in the roster, the Diamondbacks have recalled outfielder and first baseman Pavin Smith from Triple-A. This move, while crucial, highlights the team’s need for flexibility and potentially a spark in their lineup as they navigate through this critical phase of the season.
Marte’s Season Performance
Marte is currently in his age-30 season and has been a cornerstone of the Diamondbacks' offense. Over the course of 116 games, he has posted an impressive .298 batting average, coupled with a .370 on-base percentage and a .560 slugging percentage. These remarkable stats have culminated in a stellar 157 OPS+ for the season. Marte has also showcased his power, hitting 30 home runs which have been crucial in keeping the Diamondbacks in playoff contention.
Standings and Playoff Implications
The Diamondbacks are holding onto the second National League wild-card spot with a 69-56 record. They trail the San Diego Padres, who occupy the top wild-card position, by a narrow margin of one game. Additionally, they are four games behind the first-place Dodgers in the NL West. Marte's absence will undoubtedly be felt as the Diamondbacks aim to solidify their position in the playoff race.
Next Man Up: Kevin Newman
With Marte sidelined, Kevin Newman is expected to step in as the Diamondbacks’ primary second baseman. While stepping into the shoes of a player of Marte’s caliber is no small task, Newman will be tasked with providing stability and contributing both offensively and defensively to help the team maintain their competitive edge.
Pavin Smith's recall underscores the team's search for versatility in the lineup. As an outfielder and first baseman, Smith’s presence offers manager Torey Lovullo additional options in configuring the batting order. Smith’s performance in Triple-A has been solid, and the Diamondbacks hope he can translate that success to the major league level.
The Road Ahead
As the Diamondbacks push towards the postseason, the next few weeks will be critical. Marte's injury is a significant setback, but the team has shown resilience throughout the season. The contributions from Newman and Smith, along with the rest of the roster, will be essential as the Diamondbacks look to navigate this challenging period and secure their spot in the playoffs.
The final stretch of the season promises to be an exciting and tense time for Diamondbacks fans, with every game carrying immense importance. The ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be crucial, and the team’s response to this adversity could define their season.