The Arizona Diamondbacks hope three-time All-Star Ketel Marte will return to their lineup next week, roughly two weeks after his unexpected disappearance from the team before a game in Boston. Manager Torey Lovullo said the plan is for Marte to return for a home series against the Philadelphia Phillies starting Aug. 31. Marte was initially placed on the restricted list, then moved to the 10-day injured list due to mild inflammation in his left knee.

Lovullo said Marte started taking batting practice Monday at the team's facility in Scottsdale, and hitting coach Joe Mather was encouraged by his progress. The 32-year-old Marte still hasn't addressed his teammates about why he left during a playoff race. The D-backs entered Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs with a 69-62 record, two games behind the San Diego Padres for the final NL wild-card spot.

This marks the second straight year Marte has gone AWOL from the team. Last season, he was placed on the restricted list after his Arizona home was broken into during the All-Star break. He missed three games after flying to the Dominican Republic and later apologized.

Lovullo emphasized Marte's privacy, saying the team will create the softest space for his reemergence and will not force him to speak before he's ready. Lovullo also addressed fan concerns, stating he doesn't want booing to occur and believes the team will rally around Marte upon his return.