The D-backs fell to the Astros 6-4 on July 21, as Zac Gallen struggled. But the loss was overshadowed by the huge news of Ketel Marte's return to the lineup.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic 'one step forward, one step back' kind of day at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks' four-game home winning streak came to a screeching halt with a 6-4 loss to the Houston Astros, a frustrating setback in a tight playoff race. But even as the loss settled in, the biggest news of the day offered a significant beacon of hope: All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte is officially back.
Eugenio Suárez's 35th home run of the season was a bright spot, but it wasn't enough to overcome a tough night on the mound.
The home cooking finally ran out for the D-backs. Starter Zac Gallen wasn't his usual ace-like self, battling through 5.1 innings but ultimately getting tagged for five runs by a potent Astros lineup. Houston's Jeremy Peña was a particular thorn in the side, going 3-for-5 with a homer and 3 RBIs. While Arizona's offense showed signs of life, including a two-run blast from Eugenio Suárez and a two-hit night from Josh Naylor, they couldn't string together enough rallies to close the gap. The loss drops the team to 50-51, a frustrating dip below the .500 mark.
The most significant development for the team's future happened off the field. Ketel Marte was reinstated from the restricted list, a move that provides an immediate and powerful boost to the batting order. His presence is more than just a statistical upgrade; he's a leader and a key cog in this team's offensive engine. As the D-backs fight to stay in the Wild Card picture, getting their best all-around hitter back is absolutely critical. To clear a roster spot, infielder Sergio Alcantara was designated for assignment.
While one star returns, another remains sidelined. The team confirmed that catcher Gabriel Moreno's recovery from a fractured hand has been delayed, and he remains on the 60-day IL with no firm return date. The news is a blow, but it has opened the door for prospect Adrian Del Castillo, who has seized his opportunity. Called up from Triple-A Reno where he was slashing .288/.386/.559, Del Castillo has impressed with his bat and will continue to get a long look behind the plate. It's a tough situation, but watching a young player step up is exactly what this team needs.
Dropping back below .500 is a tough pill to swallow, but this season is far from over. The loss stings, but the return of Ketel Marte injects a massive dose of energy and talent into a lineup that needs it. The coming days will be a crucial test: can the D-backs rally around their returning All-Star, solve their pitching inconsistencies, and prove they have the grit to stay in the thick of the Wild Card race? The pieces are there, now it's time to execute.
