PHOENIX -- Ketel Marte on Monday addressed criticism in a recent story in the Arizona Republic newspaper that he asks for too many days off and that by doing so he has irritated some of his teammates and coaches.

“I can’t control the outsiders,” Marte said through interpreter/coach Rolando Valles. “I feel fine about the fact that my intent is always to help the team win and support my teammates and everybody around the team. Sometimes that criticism helps me be more motivated to do my job, which is helping the team perform or succeed.”

Marte taking days off first gained attention during the final week of the 2024 regular season.

The Diamondbacks were fighting for an NL Wild Card berth. On a Sunday afternoon, they coughed up an 8-0 lead to lose. They headed home for the final six games

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