Where Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte will play in return vs. Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte returned Monday for the series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies, batting fourth as the designated hitter rather than starting at second base.

The Diamondbacks kept Ildemaro Vargas at second, allowing the veteran’s bat to return to the lineup without adding a defensive workload. Marte completed the minimum stay on the 10-day injured list while recovering from left knee inflammation.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale took to X, formerly Twitter, to share the switch-hitter’s lineup assignment prior to first pitch Monday.

“Ketel Marte is batting cleanup tonight as the. DBacks DH”

Arizona reinstated Marte from the restricted list and placed him on the injured list Aug. 20 after an MRI revealed inflammation. He received an injection in the knee before resuming baseball activities.

The three-time All-Star entered Monday batting .249 with a .314 on-base percentage and .446 slugging percentage. He had recorded 21 home runs and 67 RBIs across 118 games.

Marte’s return restores a two-time Silver Slugger to the middle of the Diamondbacks’ order as the club pursues a postseason berth. The Diamondbacks entered Monday at 73-65 and occupied the National League’s third Wild Card position.

Philadelphia arrived at 77-60, tied with the Chicago Cubs atop the NL Wild Card standings. The San Diego Padres sat one-half game behind Arizona for the final postseason spot.

Brandon Pfaadt was scheduled to start for the Diamondbacks opposite Aaron Nola at Chase Field. The three-game series presented an immediate test for both Wild Card contenders.

Marte’s designated hitter assignment limited his workload while Vargas maintained the Diamondbacks’ defensive alignment. His return placed one of the club’s most productive hitters back in the heart of the order against Philadelphia.

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