Star second baseman Ketel Marte is expected to be reinstated off the injured list ahead of the Diamondbacks’ series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night, Aug. 31, at Chase Field, his first game action since his no-show in Boston on Aug. 17.
Marte also is expected to meet with his teammates and with the media at some point during the day.
This will be Marte’s first time formally speaking with either group. He has yet to provide a public explanation for his decision not to show up for the Diamondbacks’ game against the Red Sox at Fenway Park two weeks ago.
The Diamondbacks began the day a half-game in front of the San Diego Padres for the third and final National League wild-card spot.
The Phillies were tied with the Chicago Cubs
for the top wild-card position, 4 1/2 games up on Arizona.
Marte was placed on the restricted list for three days before being transferred to the injured list with a left knee injury.
A group of veteran leaders on the Diamondbacks met with club officials during the previous homestand, voicing their support for his return.
This is the second year in a row Marte has been placed on the restricted list for missing games. Last year, he spent the days after the All-Star break in the Dominican Republic, using a break-in at his Scottsdale home as justification, though he later apologized for his actions.
Phillies at Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34.
Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (7-1, 3.51) vs. Phillies RHP Aaron Nola (5-10, 5.03).
At Chase Field: Pfaadt has allowed nine runs in 12 1/3 innings over his previous two starts. Prior to that, he allowed a total of eight runs (seven earned) in nine starts spanning 54 2/3 innings. … Each of his past two outings has been marred by a big swing. Against the Cubs last week, he gave up a three-run homer in the fourth inning to Cubs LF Ian Happ. … Nola gave up two runs in six innings in his most recent start. He has been on a strong run of late, logging a 2.60 ERA over his past six starts. … In eight career starts against the Diamondbacks, he owns a 6.23 ERA. He has not faced them yet this season.
Coming up
Tuesday, Sept. 1: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (14-4, 2.50) vs. Phillies LHP Jesus Luzardo (12-5, 3.09).
Wednesday, Sept. 2: At Chase Field, 12:40 p.m., Diamondbacks TBA vs. Phillies RHP Andrew Painter (3-8, 5.95).
Thursday, Sept. 3: Off.
Friday, Sept. 4: At Houston, 5:10 p.m., Diamondbacks TBA vs. Astros RHP Ethan Pecko (1-0, 6.23).
(This story will be updated. Check back soon.)
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks vs Phillies live. Spotlight targets Ketel Marte today
