Arizona Diamondbacks fans did not hide their anger toward Ketel Marte in his return to the field Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Marte was back in the D-Backs’ lineup for the first time since his unexcused absence on Aug. 17 in a game against the Boston Red Sox. Fans were already booing him during early pregame introductions, even with the crowd still settling in 20 minutes before first pitch at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz.
Not many people here 20 mins before first pitch, but still a pretty significant chorus of boos when Ketel Marte’s name was said during starting lineup introductions. pic.twitter.com/kh0Vb9JYhG
— Nick King (@NickKingSports) September 1, 2026
The volume of the boos was exponentially higher as Marte stepped up to the plate for his first MLB at-bat in weeks. He ended up grounding out to lead off the second inning, which drew even more jeers from his home fans.
Ketel Marte loudly booed by the Diamondbacks fans which goes louder when he grounds out pic.twitter.com/KsM8h0HNkc
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 1, 2026
The boos were even audible on the Phillies’ broadcast of the contest.
Diamondbacks fans welcome Ketel Marte back from ILpic.twitter.com/heHOCZs2lU
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) September 1, 2026
The folks in attendance may have caught wind of Marte’s pregame press conference, wherein he refused to issue any sort of message toward Diamondbacks fans.
Marte only apologized to his manager and his teammates, promising to address them like a man.
