Lovullo says Ketel Marte returned to Phoenix for left-knee testing, aiming for another season with the Diamondbacks

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said he has been told Ketel Marte traveled back to Phoenix for tests on his left knee, a development that Lovullo described as both encouraging and a bit surprising given Marte’s usual communication habits. The comments frame Marte’s current situation as medical-focused, with the immediate emphasis on what the knee testing reveals and how it shapes the timeline ahead.

Lovullo’s remarks underscore the practical realities of MLB roster management when a key everyday player has an underlying issue. Marte, an established presence in the middle of the Diamondbacks’ infield, has typically provided stability at second base and a reliable offensive profile. When a player of that role requires further evaluation, the team must be prepared to adjust both defensive alignment and lineup construction while monitoring progress.

From Lovullo’s perspective, the trip itself is the headline detail, not a sudden change in baseball activity. He indicated he was informed of the travel for testing and that he expected more direct updates from Marte. That note of “surprise” speaks to the importance of day-to-day communication between player and staff, especially when recovery planning depends on timely, accurate medical information.

The manager also conveyed optimism about the broader picture. According to Lovullo, Marte is hopeful he can play again in 2026. That kind of statement is not a guarantee, but it does suggest Marte’s camp believes the knee situation can be addressed without closing the door on an upcoming season.

It is also a reminder that knee evaluations often drive multiple branches of planning, including rehab intensity, fielding readiness, and how quickly a player can resume the movements that translate to game performance. Even when tests are described as routine, the results can influence everything from swing adjustments to workload management and ultimately when a player can safely return to full duties.

For Arizona, the near-term priority is clarity. Marte’s status has direct implications for the Diamondbacks’ ability to count on a core infield piece entering the 2026 calendar, and it affects how the organization thinks about depth at second base and the balance of the lineup. If the testing produces a workable recovery path, the club can plan with more confidence. If it doesn’t, Arizona will need contingency options that fit the team’s defensive and offensive style.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on what comes next from the testing process: whether it points toward a structured rehab timeline and whether Marte can progress toward baseball activity at the pace required to be ready in 2026. Lovullo’s comments set the stage, but the next medical update will determine how realistic that hopeful timeline is.

Baseball is often decided by availability, and an infield mainstay like Marte is the kind of player whose return can change a team’s margin. For now, Arizona’s message is that the process is underway, with left-knee testing in Phoenix serving as the bridge between today’s uncertainty and a potential 2026 return.