Ketel Marte’s Red-Hot Bat: How the Diamondbacks Star Is Powering Arizona’s Playoff Push

Arizona Diamondbacks star second baseman Ketel Marte woke up to contrasting headlines this All-Star week—on the field he delivered a two-run double for the National League, while off the field Scottsdale police reported that his Valley home was hit by a “high-dollar” burglary during Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic. Authorities say thieves entered the property on July 15 while Marte was in Arlington for his third career All-Star appearance, taking jewelry and other valuables before fleeing undetected. No injuries were reported, and investigators are reviewing surveillance footage; Scottsdale PD is urging anyone with information to come forward. The Diamondbacks declined comment but confirmed the club is assisting law enforcement. The break-in capped what had been a celebratory night for the 31-year-old infielder. Batting second for the NL, Marte ripped a 104-mph liner into the right-field corner in the first inning, plating Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. and giving his league an early 2-0 cushion. Marte—voted the National League’s starting second baseman by fans for the first time—finished 1-for-2 and flashed the smooth defense that has made him a fixture in Arizona since 2017. The Dominican switch-hitter entered the break slashing .301/.369/.502 with 17 homers, anchoring a Diamondbacks lineup trying to chase down Los Angeles in the NL West. His steadiness has been critical after a tumultuous June in which a fan was banned from every MLB ballpark for a vulgar taunt that left Marte in tears during a road series. While Marte focuses on a playoff push—Arizona sits 3½ games out of a Wild Card spot—police stress that the burglary investigation remains active. Detectives are examining whether social-media posts documenting players’ travel schedules may have tipped burglars to the home’s vacancy. Similar incidents have struck pro athletes in Southern California and Houston over the past year, sparking renewed calls for tighter personal-security protocols when stars leave town for marquee events. Fans can expect Marte back in the lineup Friday when the Diamondbacks host the Padres at Chase Field. For now, the franchise cornerstone will try to replicate his All-Star swagger on the diamond—while hoping to recover what was taken from him off of it.