Ketel Marte Apologizes to D-Backs for Absence, Was 'Frustrated' After Home Burglary

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Ketel Marte has issued an apology in the wake of a report about some teammates being upset about his recent absences.

Speaking to reporters through an interpreter on Monday, Marte explained he was "frustrated" and "in a bad spot" personally after his home in Scottsdale had been burglarized during the All-Star break.

Marte's comments came in the wake of an Aug. 14 report from Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic that noted some Diamondbacks players and other members of the organization "have quietly grumbled about his propensity to ask for days off."

The frustration stemmed in part from some within the organization believing Marte missing the first three games after the All-Star break "set in motion" the team's collapse that led to the front office being a seller at the trade deadline.

According to Piecoro, this is part of a larger trend with Marte that dates back to last season when he "irked" some teammates by asking for a day off in the final week of the season when the club was still fighting for a playoff spot.

Arizona police confirmed on July 16 that Marte's home was burglarized while he was playing in the All-Star Game at Truist Park in Atlanta and the burglars took "numerous personal items" with them.

Marte said the value of the items stolen was around $400,000. The 31-year-old missed the first series after the All-Star break against the St. Louis Cardinals to fly to his home in the Dominican Republic.

A three-time All-Star, Marte is hitting .295/.395/.553 with 23 homers in 93 games this season. He has played in 25 of Arizona's 26 games since returning to the lineup on July 21.