'Sudden Disappearance Just Before Game' Mystery, Crying Manager: "I Love You Marte, I'm Worried About You"

*This content was translated by AI.

A unprecedented incident occurred when Ketel Marte (33), the star second baseman and All-Star of the Arizona Diamondbacks in Major League Baseball (MLB), suddenly vanished just before a game, abandoning his team without authorization. The club immediately placed Marte on the restricted list and imposed internal disciplinary action, but manager Torey Lovullo (61) broke down in tears during a post-game interview when asked about Marte.

The incident took place on the 18th (Korean time) before the Arizona Diamondbacks' road trip to Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. According to multiple U.S. media outlets including ESPN and the New York Post, Marte traveled with the team to Boston but did not appear in the locker room or on the field on game day, the 18th. In response, the Arizona club immediately placed Marte on the restricted list without salary payment and urgently called up infielder Jose Fernandez from the minor leagues.

Without Marte, Arizona suffered a decisive 1-11 defeat to Boston. After the game, manager Lovullo entered the official press conference visibly shaken and confused. "It was truly a chaotic day," said Lovullo. "Aside from knowing that Marte is dealing with personal issues, I know nothing else. We are also trying to figure out what happened." He added, "Since he did not show up at the stadium, we ultimately placed him on the restricted list. This is all I know right now, and the situation will become clear as time passes."

According to local reports, Lovullo attempted to contact Marte directly throughout the morning and afternoon of game day to understand the situation. However, there was no response from Marte. "I tried to speak with Marte, but received no reply," Lovullo said, conveying his frustration. The club is not even certain whether Marte is currently staying in Boston.

Lovullo's reaction was too shocking to be dismissed as simple insubordination or disciplinary absence. While explaining Marte's absence to reporters, the manager could not hold back his emotions and began to tear up.

Lovullo said, "I truly love him and am very worried about him. I believe he will be okay, and I want to believe he is safe right now." He added, "I hope everyone knows how much all the players and coaching staff in the locker room care for him." He continued, "There were countless conversations and questions throughout the day inside the clubhouse today. But after confirming that Marte is safe, the players could finally breathe a sigh of relief and focus on the game."

Speculation dominates both inside and outside the club that this is not merely a team conflict or injury, but rather a personal issue that caused the player severe psychological trauma. Some even suggest there may be serious changes to his personal circumstances.

In fact, Marte's sudden departure is not the first time. Last season, during the All-Star break, thieves broke into his Arizona home, and without notifying the club, he suddenly flew back to his home country of the Dominican Republic, missing three games. At that time, Marte was also placed on the restricted list but later returned to the team and issued a formal apology. However, with this being the second consecutive season where he abandoned the team mid-season without authorization, the club's concerns are deepening.

Marte, selected as an All-Star three times, played in 118 games this season, recording a .249 batting average (117 hits in 469 at-bats), 21 home runs, 67 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.760, primarily anchoring Arizona's core lineup.

With a record of 66 wins and 60 losses (winning percentage .524), including the game results on the 18th, Arizona is in fierce competition for a postseason berth. The sudden departure of a key hitter like Marte is a devastating blow. When asked about Marte's potential return date and his standing within the club, Lovullo replied, "I haven't thought that far yet. For now, I'll rest well, have a glass of wine, and then think about what comes next," unable to hide his bitterness.

The mysterious disappearance of the team's top star at a critical juncture when their fate in autumn baseball hangs in the balance has gone beyond simple injury or disciplinary action, even moving the manager to tears. The entire Major League community is closely watching to uncover Marte's hidden story and determine when he will once again wear the Diamondbacks uniform and step onto the field.

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*This content was translated by AI.