Marte Brothers' Roster Changes
Diamondbacks Place Ketel Marte on Restricted List; Royals DFA Starling Marte Amid Returns
Key Points
Ketel Marte did not report to Fenway Park for the D-backs' game against the Red Sox and was placed on MLB's restricted list; he is in Boston and was slated to be the designated hitter, with Lars Nootbaar starting in Marte's spot, while Jose Fernandez was recalled from Triple-A.
The absence is contextualized by a year-ago pattern in which Marte publicly apologized for absences following the 2025 All-Star break after a home burglary, a situation that had previously frustrated teammates amid a playoff push.
The Royals designated Starling Marte for assignment to clear roster space for the returns of Pasquantino and Garcia from the injured list, and they recalled Connor Thomas while optioning Josh Rojas and Jose Cuas to Triple-A Omaha.
Starling Marte, 37, had a .242/.298/.314 line with two home runs in 59 games for Kansas City this season, and he entered the season on a one-year deal worth $1 million guaranteed with up to $2 million in bonuses.
Arizona remained in playoff contention, sitting at 66-59 and one game behind the Padres for the NL third and final wild-card spot as the D-backs opened the series against the Red Sox.
The Arizona Diamondbacks placed All-Star infielder Ketel Marte on the restricted list after he failed to show up for Tuesday's game at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox, according to Bleacher Report. The team gave no reason for the move. Marte was physically fine and present in Boston but was listed as unavailable, forcing Arizona to shuffle its lineup with the team sitting at 66-59 and one game behind San Diego for the final NL wild-card spot.
In Kansas City, the Royals made their own roster move, designating outfielder Starling Marte for assignment to clear space for returning infielders Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia. The two moves — happening the same day — highlight two clubs reshaping their rosters as the season enters its final stretch.
Ketel Marte's No-Show Shakes Arizona's Playoff Push
Ketel Marte was scheduled to start as the designated hitter Tuesday night. Instead, the D-backs recalled Jose Fernandez from Triple-A and moved Lars Nootbaar to DH, per Baltimore Sun. Fernandez started at third base. Arizona offered no explanation for why Marte did not report to the ballpark.
Players on the restricted list do not get paid and do not earn MLB service time while listed. This is a meaningful penalty for Marte, a three-time All-Star on a long-term contract. The move raises questions about his availability going forward during a stretch where every game matters for Arizona's postseason hopes.
Marte's History of Unexplained Absences in Arizona
This is not the first time Ketel Marte's absences have drawn attention. After the 2025 All-Star break, Marte publicly apologized to teammates following a string of absences tied to a home burglary, according to Newsday. That situation frustrated the clubhouse during a playoff push. Marte's apology helped smooth things over — but Tuesday's no-show reopens those concerns.
Marte has been one of Arizona's most important players for years. Despite the off-field turbulence, he remains under a long-term deal and has been a consistent All-Star producer. The D-backs have not said whether this latest absence is connected to any personal matter.
Royals DFA Starling Marte, Bring Back Pasquantino and Garcia
Kansas City designated Starling Marte for assignment to free up two spots on their 40-man roster. Marte, 37, slashed .242/.298/.314 with just two home runs in 59 games this season. He signed a one-year deal worth $1 million guaranteed — with up to $2 million in incentives — before the season started.
With Marte out, the Royals reinstated Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia from the injured list. Kansas City also recalled pitcher Connor Thomas from Triple-A Omaha and optioned infielder Josh Rojas and reliever Jose Cuas down to Triple-A, per Winnipeg Free Press. The moves signal the Royals are building around their core as they eye postseason opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
What Comes Next for Both Clubs
Arizona is waiting for clarity on Ketel Marte's situation. The team has not said how long he will stay on the restricted list. Every day he is unavailable costs him pay and service time — and costs the D-backs a key bat during a tight wild-card race, according to LMT Online.
For Kansas City, Starling Marte now has 10 days to be traded, released, or accepted by another team through waivers. His modest numbers this year make it unlikely he gets claimed quickly. The Royals appear focused on getting healthy players back on the field as they push toward a postseason run.
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