Sports fandom is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded sometimes, isn’t it? One moment, you’re celebrating on top of the world, the next wading right back into uncertainty. Fans of the Arizona Diamondbacks know that feeling all too well now. A few days after the team secured their superstar second baseman, Ketel Marte, with a massive contract extension, disaster struck. The news that Marte went on the injured list sent a shock through the fanbase, and it instantly put alarm bells over their $116.5 million man.

Ketel Marte is more than just another player on the D-backs: he’s the heartbeat of the team. A fan favorite since joining in 2016, his smooth swing and clutch hitting helped him to a third-place finish in last year’s MVP voting.  Recognizing his immense value, Arizona finalized a massive six-year, $116.5 million extension on April 3rd. This agreement, extending prior agreements in 2018 and 2022, was meant to keep Marte in Sedona Red through 2030, solidifying his status as the face of the franchise. That enormous commitment made the news that came just two days later even harder to swallow.

The celebration had hardly had time to fade before the troubling update arrived. On April 5th, baseball insider Bob Nightengale reported the news via X: “The Arizona Diamondbacks officially place All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte on the injured list with a strained hamstring while calling up infielder Tim Tawa.” Confirmation followed quickly from FOX Sports: MLB tweeting: “The Diamondbacks announced that Ketel Marte has been placed on the 10-Day IL due to a strained left hamstring.” Marte left the previous day’s game after an injury against Washington when he pulled up lame running the bases.

Losing Marte, who was batting. 346 this season is a big loss for the D-backs. The team enters at 5-3, fighting to survive in the brutal National League West. To cover, Garrett Hampson was moved immediately into second base. And the promising Tim Tawa got the call from Triple-A Reno for infield depth. Manager Torey Lovullo preached the ‘next man up‘ approach, saying, “We budget for these hard times”.  Yet the timing feels notably cruel. With their star on the shelf and a tough division battle on the way, the D-backs fans quickly took to social media to express their thoughts.

Arizona Diamondbacks fans react to the loss of Ketel Marte

The news about Ketel Marte felt painfully familiar. One fan wrote simply, “Terrible….Marte is an incredible talent…“. Marte’s injury follows a long pattern of setbacks that have historically marred his brilliance. As in 2021, when he missed more than 70 games with hamstring strains in both of his legs (April 8-May 18 and June 28 onward). Back then, he still hit .318 over 90 games, evidence that his talent shines even when curtailed. Seeing history repeat itself for their two-time All-Star hits hard.

There was certainly a sense of ‘here we go again’.  But others were laser-focused on that moment’s impact for the team in a tight division race.  One user was compelled to bare the truth: “🚨 Huge blow for Arizona. Marte’s been a heartbeat of their lineup, and now he’s sidelined when every game counts…” This a major blow because Marte’s .469 through 8 games has been crucial for Arizona’s third-best offense (5.63 runs per game). His absence now, with the team at 5-3 and engaged in a tight NL West race, threatens their early momentum. His 6 runs scored and leadoff presence have been fueling their attack in a season in which every win counts.

Some fans began wondering which players might benefit from this unfortunate roster opening. That’s the way of the game; one player’s setback is another’s opportunity, “Lawler must be thrilled“, likely referring to top prospect Jordan Lawlar. He was recently sent down to Triple-A for more playing time. But with another infielder, Blaze Alexander, injured as well, Marte’s injury raises hopes (and perhaps cynically expressed here) that Lawlar could still get an unexpected early call-up to the big show.

Prospect watching aside, many fans experienced the pain on a much deeper and personal level. One fan expressed this, saying, “And there goes my fantasy team!” Unfortunately, the Diamondbacks IL continues to grow. Marte joins—Jordan Montgomery (elbow, 60-day), Kyle Nelson (shoulder, 2025 return), and Blaze Alexander (oblique, 10-day). With Montgomery done for the season and Alexander joining Marte on the shelf, that fan’s fantasy roster takes a blow. And he is left scrambling for replacements amid a depleted active roster.

But amidst the frustration and fantasy woes, some fans found solace in the player who did get called up, Tim Tawa. “Light tawa power welcome to the show…“ said one fan, welcoming Tim Tawa because the Diamondbacks’ recent offensive explosion. With 51 runs over 8 games, including a 6-4 victory over the Nationals on April 4 despite Marte’s early departure — suggests that they need fresh energy. Tawa’s call-up on April 5 to replace Marte taps into this hot streak. And fans can only hope his minor league pop (3 HR in 6 AAA games) keeps the team’s third-ranked scoring alive.