Ketel Marte’s steady presence bolsters Diamondbacks’ hopes

Final season, Marte performed a vital function within the Diamondbacks’ sudden run to the NL pennant, collaborating in over 144 regular-season video games for the primary time since 2019 and posting a .844 OPS, his greatest because the .909 OPS in his standout 2019 season. 

This season, he has been indispensable for Arizona, notably because the crew struggles with accidents and underperformance amongst key gamers. 

“He is so extremely gifted,” Diamondbacks nearer Paul Sewald mentioned of Marte, per MLB.com. “When he is on, he is on like no one within the league.”

Whereas stars Zac Gallen, Druw Jones, Corbin Carroll and Jordan Montgomery have confronted setbacks, Marte has remained a constant performer. His potential to play at shortstop whereas Geraldo Perdomo recovered from a meniscus tear in his proper knee additional highlights his significance. 

With out Marte’s regular contributions, the Diamondbacks’ playoff hopes can be considerably dimmer.

At the moment 32-35, the Diamondbacks are on the cusp of a vital stretch. The upcoming week and the remainder of June provide a main alternative for the crew to get again to and even surpass the .500 mark. With 4 of the six opponents and 12 of their 18 video games by means of June 30 towards groups nicely beneath .500, Arizona has a good schedule. Twelve of those video games will likely be at house, including one other layer of benefit.

The Diamondbacks should capitalize on these matchups. 

Failing to dominate weaklings such because the Angels, White Sox and Athletics might spell catastrophe. Caring for enterprise towards inferior opponents is vital, particularly contemplating their July schedule will get extra daunting, which might affect their technique main as much as the MLB commerce deadline on July 30. The following six weeks are set to find out the Diamondbacks’ trajectory. 

By means of all of it, Marte stays an anchor. His consistency and management present a basis for the reigning NL champs as they navigate the challenges forward. Whereas many elements will affect the Diamondbacks’ destiny, Marte’s particular person resurgence symbolizes the crew’s enduring hope and resilience in a season stuffed with uncertainties.