PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte hobbled off the field during the fourth inning of their 11-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.
In the following inning, ace pitcher Zac Gallen left the game with training staff, adding to the team’s injury concerns. Marte was diagnosed with a left ankle contusion, while Gallen reported cramping but is not expected to miss significant time. The injury to Marte occurred when Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs slid into him while attempting to tag at second base.
Marte, who initially tried to walk off the injury, eventually left the field with assistance from the trainer. Kevin Newman took over at second base for Marte. Marte noted that Stubbs’ slide was not intentional, and manager Torey Lovullo agreed, describing it as a routine play.
Marte had started the game strong, hitting a solo home run in the first inning, marking his 30th of the season and his 10th in first innings. He is now one of six players this season to reach the 30-homer mark.
Gallen, who experienced cramping after a play where he reached for a ball, expressed some concern about the discomfort but attributed it to dehydration and the summer heat at Chase Field. Despite the cramps, he managed to pitch 4.1 innings, allowing one earned run and striking out three.
With Eduardo Rodriguez returning from the 60-day injured list and Merrill Kelly set to start on Sunday, the Diamondbacks are trying to manage their injuries. Recently, they also lost Christian Walker and Gabriel Moreno to injuries.