Ketel Marte breaks silence, makes first public comments since bizarre departure

PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, showing no emotion Monday, apologized for going AWOL for the fourth consecutive season, spoke to the media and apologized to his teammates, had no message to D-backs fans, didn’t find anything wrong hanging out at a casino while his teammates played a game 30 minutes away, and then got ready to play against the Philadelphia Phillies.

He acted as if he did nothing more than commit a baserunning blunder.

"I’m going to stand in front of my teammates like a man," he said. "I’m going to ask for forgiveness. We’re all human. We all commit mistakes."

When asked directly if he had a message for Diamondbacks fans before the game, he shook his head no.

No harm. No foul. Back in the starting lineup, where he batted cleanup as the DH.

This was the fourth consecutive season, dating back to Sept. 24, 2023 at Yankee Stadium, Marte did not show up for a game without an excused absence, this time two weeks ago on Aug. 17 at Fenway Park.

For the second consecutive season, he was placed on the restricted list for going AWOL.

And once again, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo was…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/