The time came just after the game, when Perdomo entered manager Torey Lovullo’s postgame media session to directly address recent criticism surrounding Marte.
“I want to get something clear about my teammate. I’m tired of this,” Perdomo began, referring to speculation that Marte’s absence from the starting lineup was frustrating teammates and fueling offseason trade rumors. “It’s going to be for all the reporters and writers. This is the second time something came out about Marte. Please, he just wants to play baseball. I don’t want to speak as a team. I want to speak as a brother. He just wants to play baseball. Just let the guy alone; it’s been too much for him.”
Perdomo’s show of support came after Marte was left out of the starting lineup on August 17. Despite recent offensive success — including a .357 batting average and a 1.071 OPS in August — Marte was given a scheduled day off. Manager Torey Lovullo explained the decision was based on managing workload and protecting Marte’s physical condition.
“There was a little bit of volume running the bases and some heavy swings,” Lovullo said. “I know his body is very strong and he can create a lot of force. … I was watching and adding it up and talking to the medical team, it just made sense to have him come off the bench and be available in that very critical time in the game.”
Marte later entered the game as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning and flied out before taking over at second base. In the ninth, with a chance to tie or win the game, he popped up behind the mound for the final out — despite a near-collision by Rockies players attempting the catch.
The Diamondbacks, who had led 4-1 in the seventh inning, once again saw their bullpen falter. Jake Woodford hit two batters and allowed four runs in the inning, including the tying and go-ahead singles. It marked Arizona’s third loss in four games against a Rockies team with the worst record in Major League Baseball — a damaging stretch as the Diamondbacks continue to chase a playoff spot.
“It’s not good to lose three of four to those guys,” said outfielder Corbin Carroll, who, along with Lourdes Gurriel Jr., hit back-to-back home runs earlier in the game.
Starter Nabil Crismatt made his first big league appearance since May 2024 and impressed with five innings of one-run ball, striking out five.
Lovullo acknowledged the frustration in the clubhouse. “We’ve got to finish games,” he said. “When you’re ahead in some games the way we are, you’ve got to be better.” He also praised Perdomo’s gesture, saying, “He steps up for his teammates. It’s an awesome moment.”
The Diamondbacks return home to face the Cleveland Guardians in a crucial three-game series starting Monday at Chase Field.
