Phoenix, AZ. Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte spoke out this Monday after an article published by Arizona Republic in which he was accused of asking for too many days off and causing discomfort among some teammates and members of the coaching staff.

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Mars clarified that its priority has always been to contribute to the team’s success:

“I can’t control those on the outside,” he noted through interpreter/coach Rolando Valles. “I feel good about the fact that my intention is always to help the team win and support my teammates. Sometimes, those criticisms motivate me more to do my job.”

The Dominican explained that the breaks he has requested are part of a plan established with the coaching staff to preserve his health and performance throughout the season, especially considering a history of injuries. Also, Marte addressed the absence of three games after the 2025 All-Star Game, when he traveled to the Dominican Republic amid a difficult personal situation: his home in Phoenix was burglarized during the mid-season classic, with estimated losses of $400,000.

“Initially, the intention was to return on Thursday to be with my team,” he said. “I want to publicly apologize for not fulfilling that. I was frustrated and in a bad situation, but I want to apologize to my teammates and everyone who supports the team.”

Manager Torey Lovullo publicly backed Marte and asked to close the chapter to maintain focus on sports:

“Ketel is a great teammate and a great young man. He goes out on the field with intensity every day and only wants to win baseball games. I don’t want to dwell on this; we have to put it behind us and focus on competing for the postseason.”