Diamondbacks Sign Alcántara; Marte Placed on Restricted List Following Burglary

In a series of roster moves announced on July 18, 2025, the Arizona Diamondbacks signed infielder Sergio Alcántara to a major league contract while placing second baseman Ketel Marte on the restricted list due to personal matters. Marte's situation follows a distressing incident where his home was reportedly burglarized while he attended the All-Star Game, as reported by John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix.

Marte's placement on the restricted list opens up a critical roster spot for Alcántara, who will provide the team with much-needed depth amidst a challenging season marred by injuries. Currently, the Diamondbacks are struggling, holding a record of 47-50 and trailing by 5.5 games in the playoff race. General Manager Mike Hazen has expressed a desire for the team to perform well enough to be buyers in the upcoming trade market, but the recent setbacks have raised concerns about their competitiveness.

Marte, viewed as one of the top all-around players in Major League Baseball, is taking personal days to address the emotional fallout from the burglary incident. Bob Nightengale of USA Today confirmed that Marte's home was broken into during the All-Star break, contributing to the player's need for time away from the field. The Diamondbacks now face the challenge of filling the gap left by Marte, as they also contend with 11 pitchers currently on the injured list, many of whom are not expected to return this season due to significant surgeries.

Alcántara's signing adds a fresh option to the roster, although his recent performance has been lackluster. The infielder appeared in just one game for the San Francisco Giants this season, failing to secure a hit in four at-bats. He has otherwise been playing in Triple-A, where he has put up modest statistics, with a .206 batting average, a .319 on-base percentage, and a .252 slugging percentage.

In addition to Marte's absence, catcher Gabriel Moreno was transferred to the 60-day injured list, further complicating the Diamondbacks' roster situation as they attempt to navigate the remainder of the season. Moreno's transfer indicates that the team does not anticipate his return for at least another month, as he is recovering from a hairline fracture in his right index finger, an injury he sustained on June 20, 2025.

The Diamondbacks have been utilizing José Herrera and James McCann behind the plate, but with Moreno sidelined, they now have a three-catcher setup that includes the recently recalled Adrian Del Castillo. Del Castillo, who hit .313/.368/.525 during his major league debut last year, has faced injury setbacks this season, only managing to play in 14 Triple-A games.

As the Diamondbacks look to stabilize their roster amid adversity, the impact of Marte's absence and the addition of Alcántara will be closely monitored as the team aims to turn their season around and mount a competitive challenge in the National League West. This incident highlights not only the physical challenges faced by the team but also the personal challenges that players encounter off the field, further emphasizing the human aspect of professional sports.