It's been a long, drama-filled week of news surrounding Arizona Diamondbacks star second baseman Ketel Marte. It would appear that both he and the team are heading towards a full conclusion of this saga.It all began, of course, with Marte unexpectedly no-showing to Fenway Park in Boston a week ago. That prompted a surprise stint on the Restricted List, and a high volume of emotionally-charged speculation, as Marte was said to have been dealing with a personal matter.Marte has since met with manager Torey Lovullo and GM Mike Hazen, and was placed on the 10-day Injured List with inflammation in his knee. He has been rehabbing at Salt River Fields. So, when is Marte expected to return? When Marte might return from ILAug 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) looks off to the field against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe earliest Marte would be eligible to return would be August 30, just ahead of the Diamondbacks' critical three-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies. That appears to be the direction Marte is trending.According to Lovullo (via Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports), Marte took batting practice on Monday, and hitting coach Joe Mather "liked what he saw for a Day 1 return."It is not a complete guarantee to see him activated after the minimum, of course, but that would certainly (in theory) provide a boost to the Diamondbacks' lineup prior to an extremely important series. Marte has not been at Chase Field during this time; that is not required for a player on the IL. But he's still been absent from his teammates for some time, and the expectation is that Marte will address them regarding his absence at some point in the future. That aspect will provide another wrinkle in this situation.Marte expected to address teammates about absenceAug 16, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (4) runs to the dugout during the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectUltimately, there may still be some lingering confusion or frustration among Marte's teammates. Lovullo touched on that side of this situation, as well. Here's what Lovullo had to say (via Nick King on X/Twitter):"We're trying to create the softest space for him to re-emerge back into this environment, and that's up to him however he wants to do it," Lovullo said."I cannot force a human being to do something that I want to do, or anybody in this room wants to do, or a fan wants to do. One of the things that's made Ketel such an extraordinary player is that he goes to the beat of his own drum, and I respect that. "I've talked to just about every player, and I know how they feel, but it's a very individualized situation. How are you taking this day by day, and what are you willing to do to help? That is the mindset in that clubhouse. With Ketel, he's very private, and he's very quiet, and it's hard to extract information from him. "We all know that we can retreat if we go back to disagreements that we've had with loved ones or family members, brothers, sisters, parents. Sometimes you pull back, and you want to just retreat and survey. Maybe that's what he's done."Lovullo said he has not spoken to Marte outside of his meeting with the second baseman at Salt River Fields. The manager said he's "allowing [Marte] to have his space. When it's time, it'll be time."Ketel Marte is on track to return next week, but still hasn't been in the D-backs clubhouse in more than a week. @Jody_Jackson asked Torey if it'll get harder for Ketel to face his teammates the longer he waits, and the answer is the latest example of Torey's undying patience. pic.twitter.com/3UCJAuSW0c— Nick King (@NickKingSports) August 24, 2026Regardless, the Diamondbacks need to find a way to put this situation entirely in the rearview mirror. The playoff chase is heating up; Arizona needs all hands — including Marte — operating at full capacity. Hopefully, that is how this situation resolves.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow