Marte returns to Phoenix for knee testing after no-show

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Ketel Marte has traveled back to Phoenix for tests on his left knee, though Lovullo said he was surprised at the lack of communication from the All-Star second baseman.

Arizona placed the 32-year-old Marte on the restricted list Monday after he failed to show up for the team's 11-1 loss at Boston that night. Lovullo called it a crazy day and said Marte is dealing with a personal issue. Lovullo said he spoke to Marte on Monday trying to find out what was going on but did not get any answers.

Marte traveled with the team to Boston, and Lovullo said he wasn't certain after Monday night's loss whether Marte was still there. Asked if he thought Marte would play for Arizona again this year, Lovullo said he hoped so.

"We need him," Lovullo said before Tuesday's game against the Red Sox. "He's one of the best players in the National League as far as I'm concerned." A three-time All-Star, Marte is hitting .249 with 21 home runs and 67 RBIs over 118 games this season.

This marks the second time in as many seasons the D-backs have placed Marte on the restricted list. Last season, he went on the restricted list when his home in Arizona was broken into during the All-Star break, missing three games after flying back to his native Dominican Republic, and he later apologized for his absence.