Game Recaps
Diamondbacks, minus Ketel Marte, look uninspired in a Boston blowout by Nick Piecoro [AZ Central]
Lefty Mitch Bratt gave up three runs in three innings and right-hander Zack Littell allowed eight runs (six earned) in 3 2/3 innings.
It was just the Diamondbacks’ 13th loss in their past 34 games — they entered the day tied for the second-most wins in the majors since July 9 — but given the circumstances surrounding Marte and how thoroughly they were beaten, it felt like it could be more than just another
loss.
Day of promise for Diamondbacks turns ugly from Marte’s absence to poor pitching vs. Red Sox by Alex Weiner [Arizona Sports]
The Arizona Diamondbacks started their Monday on an encouraging note, by reinstating reliever Justin Martinez and outfielder Jordan Lawlar from the injured list while they prepared for a series opener against the Boston Red Sox.
The day ended with the Diamondbacks putting up a sloppy performance in an 11-1 loss at Fenway Park, preluded by second baseman Ketel Marte getting placed on the restricted list moments before first pitch as a no-show. The reason for Marte’s absence was not immediately clear — manager Torey Lovullo told reporters it was due to personal reasons — but his status becomes the most pressing issue facing the team.
Diamondbacks News
D-backs place star 2B Ketel Marte on restricted list by Steve Gilbert [Dbacks.com]
As of 20 minutes before the start of Monday night’s series opener with the Red Sox, the Diamondbacks still had not put out a lineup.
Not long after that it became clear why, when the team announced that second baseman Ketel Marte had been placed on the restricted list. Marte did not show up to Fenway Park, per a team official, and the D-backs waited until close to game time with the hope that he would arrive.
Torey Lovullo Addresses Ketel Marte’s Baffling Unexcused Absence in Boston by Alex D’Agostino [SI]
A visibly emotional Lovullo had this to say:
“It”s been a crazy day. All I know is that he’s dealing with a personal issue. We’re trying to figure that out. He didn’t show up today and he was put on the restricted list. That’s as much as I know right now. I’m sure in time we’ll start to uncover and unravel some information.”
Lovullo said he “knew that there was something going on” when he met with the media ahead of the game, but still expected the second baseman to report to Fenway Park.
Diamondbacks get RHP Justin Martinez, OF Jordan Lawlar back as wave of reinforcements arrive by Alex Weiner [Arizona Sports]
Arizona Diamondbacks fireball-throwing relief pitcher Justin Martinez is active for the first time in 14 months, as he has returned from Tommy John surgery to bolster the bullpen for the final quarter of the season.
The Diamondbacks reinstated Martinez and dynamic outfielder Jordan Lawlar from the injured list on Monday before facing the Boston Red Sox, representing the next wave of help coming off the IL for a team expecting more reinforcements down the stretch.
Corbin Carroll Named National League Player of the Week [MLB]
D-backs’ OF Corbin Carroll was named National League Player of the Week (August 10-16) for the third time in his career (also: June 5-11, 2023 and Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2024). He is the third D-back to earn the honor this season, joining Ildemaro Vargas (April 20-26) and Ketel Marte (May 18-24).
It is the third time in franchise history where 3 different D-backs position players earned the weekly honor in a season, joining 1999 (Jay Bell, Matt Williams, Steve Finley) and 2019 (Eduardo Escobar, Nick Ahmed, Ketel Marte).
Around the League
Benge reminds Padres you don’t run on him. Twice. In the same inning. by Bill Ladson [MLB]
San Diego decided to run on him twice in the first inning of Monday’s game against the Mets, and Benge threw out both of them on back-to-back plays, becoming the first player in franchise history to throw out two runners at home in the same inning. Those putouts proved pivotal in helping New York nab the series opener, 2-1, at Citi Field.
With runners on first and second, one out and Mets right-hander Nolan McLean on the mound, Ty France singled to right-center field. Jake Cronenworth attempted to come home, but he was easily thrown out at the plate by Benge, whose throw clocked in at 99.9 mph.
MLB unanimously approves sale of San Diego Padres [ESPN]
Major League Baseball’s team owners unanimously approved the sale of the San Diego Padres to an investor group led by private equity billionaire José E. Feliciano and his wife and business partner, Kwanza Jones.
The league announced the approval Monday after a vote. Feliciano and Jones reached an agreement in May to buy the Padres from the family of late owner Peter Seidler at an MLB-record valuation of $3.9 billion. The deal is still contingent on the official closing of the transaction in the coming weeks.
The Dodgers Fall Behind by Ryan Blake [FanGraphs]
The Dodgers are not the best team in baseball right now.
It’s been a tough go of late for the team supposedly breaking the sport. The Dodgers began August with a seven-game losing streak, and they’ve played two games below .500 since the All-Star break. They just dropped three of four to the Brewers over the weekend, ceding their standing as the top team in the majors.
