Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte has been reportedly frustrating team officials with his decision to take days off as the MLB trade deadline nears.
Marte, a switch-hitter with power from both sides, has been linked to trade rumors despite signing a six-year, $116.5 million extension this season. Sources told USA TODAY that Marte’s absences are causing tension within the organization.
The most recent example occurred last week when Marte sat out a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a game in which star pitcher Shohei Ohtani was slated to start. Marte then hit a walk-off home run the following day. His absence was partly due to lower-back and hamstring issues, according to Arizona Sports.
Marte told reporters after his walk-off homer that he needed rest, saying,
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
