On April 14, Arizona Diamondback star Kettle Marte got pulled from Tuesday's lineup against the Baltimore Orioles with lower back tightness, just one day after smashing two home runs. The 32-year-old second baseman had a monster Monday night, but now he sidelined for this afternoon matchup at Camden Yards. Marte entered the week hitting just 197 with a 2-69 on base and 3-28 slugging, but those bombs showed he's heating up, filling in at second base is utility guy Ildomaro Vargas, batting lead-off ahead of Corbin Carroll, while the rest of the order shifts around with. D'Araldo Perdomo, at Short and Nolan Aronado, at third.
The debax are hurting bad already this season. Catcher Gabriel Moreno hit the 10-day injured list with an oblique strain earlier today, and first. Basement pavement Smith moved to the 60-day list ahead of elbow surgery. Fans are feeling the pinch as the team scrapes by without key pieces.
Marte is no ordinary player. He's a three-time All-Star and the 2023 National League Championship Series MVP. The club shocked him hard this offseason, but kept their guy, especially now with his 10-year service time giving him 10-5 rights to block any trades. His team-friendly deal runs through at least 20-30, so he's locked in long-term.
We'll keep eyes on this back issue, could be just a quick breather, but his history means we stay tuned for updates. That wraps MLB News Today, brought to you with AI.