Ketel Marte -- Injury Report

Ketel Marte is cleared to return for the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday against the New York Mets after being held out of Friday's lineup due to illness. The 32-year-old second baseman will resume his role as the team's leadoff hitter and start at his regular defensive position.

Marte has been in a notable slump heading into the absence, batting just .077 (2-for-26) over his previous eight games with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. The return comes as the Diamondbacks continue their series against the Mets, with Marte's recovery from illness suggesting he is fit enough to play despite recent offensive struggles.

Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman, was scratched from Friday night's game against the New York Mets due to illness. This marks only the second game Marte has missed this season, having previously been scratched with lower back tightness. His availability off the bench is uncertain.

The scratch provides unexpected rest for Marte, who has struggled significantly at the plate in 2026, posting a .209 average with a .262 on-base percentage through 35 games. However, advanced metrics suggest his poor performance stems from bad luck rather than poor contact quality. His expected batting average is .289 and expected slugging percentage is .458, with manager Torey Lovullo noting his expected OPS exceeds 800.

With Marte sidelined, utility infielder Ildemaro Vargas shifts to second base while rookie Jose Fernandez takes over at first base. Lovullo expressed confidence in Marte's underlying performance, stating: "His expected numbers are far greater than his actual numbers. He's hitting a lot of balls right on the dot. Right where he's supposed to. He just hasn't had a lot of luck." The manager hopes the rest allows Marte to reset mentally and refocus on execution.

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a late lineup adjustment for Friday's game against the New York Mets, scratching second baseman Ketel Marte due to illness approximately 90 minutes before first pitch. Marte will miss his second game of the 2024 season, having previously sat out in April against Baltimore due to back tightness. The player has struggled offensively through the first month-plus of the season, recording no hits in his last eight at-bats and just 2 hits in his last 26 at-bats.

In response to Marte's absence, the Diamondbacks promoted Jose Fernandez to start at first base, batting eighth, while Ildemaro Vargas moved from first base to second base in the cleanup lineup, batting second in Marte's spot. The full Friday lineup features Geraldo Perdomo at shortstop, Corbin Carroll in right field, and other regulars including Nolan Arenado at third base.

Additionally, the Diamondbacks called up top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt on Friday from Triple-A Reno. Manager Torey Lovullo announced that Waldschmidt will start Saturday's game in center field, replacing Alek Thomas, who was designated for assignment. First pitch for Friday's game is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. The Diamondbacks have lost six of their last seven games and face a Mets team tied for the worst record in baseball.