The Arizona Republic

Marte has hot bat in D-Backs’ homestand

- Scott Bordow

When the Diamondbac­ks gave second baseman Ketel Marte a five-year, $24 million contract extension in late March, it was based on the belief that Marte would build upon a 2017 season in which he hit .260 with five home runs and 18 RBIs in 255 at-bats.

But through the first 50 games of this season, Marte had failed to live up to those expectatio­ns. His batting average had fallen to .212 after the Diamondbac­ks completed their road trip on May 27.

Marte, however, may be coming out of his slump. He had five extra-base hits in the Diamondbac­ks’ three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins, including a double and triple in Sunday’s 6-1 victory.

Over the six-game homestand, Marte hit .421 with two homers, two triples and three doubles.

“I feel relaxed. I feel really good right now,” Marte said.

Marte doesn’t believe he was pressing earlier this season, trying to live up to his contract – “I don’t focus on that. I play like I got no contract yet,” he said – but manager Torey Lovullo didn’t dismiss the notion, saying players have to go through a series of “graduation­s.”

“You have to learn and grow,” Lovullo said. “Maybe he was adjusting to a few new things.”

Lovullo said he has seen changes in Marte’s swing.

“Just a better tempo and rhythm to the ball and he’s staying through the ball,” he said. “I’m not really seeing the hook approach or lunging.”

Marte credited the work he’s put in with a pitching machine, saying hitting coach Dave Magadan has set the machine at 100 mph in practice sessions.

“It’s working,” he said. “I see the ball better and I see the breaking ball really good.”

And what does a 90 mph fastball look like after seeing 100 mph?

“Easy,” Marte said with a smile.

Peralta on a tear

Left fielder David Peralta homered for the third straight game, and two of the homers have been opposite-field blasts.

“When you’re doing that, staying behind the ball and hitting it that far the opposite way you’re doing a lot right,” Lovullo said. “He’s a catalyst for us.”

Peralta said he’s trying not to be pull-happy at the plate.

“The goal is left-center field,” he said. “Try to let the ball get deep, not shift too much and pull the ball. I’m trying not to do much. Just waiting for a good pitch to drive the ball. If it’s inside I try to pull the ball. It’s easy to say but (I) just have to be more patient at home plate.”

Minor-leaguer acquired

Arizona acquired 28-year-old reliever Brad Goldberg from the Chicago White Sox for cash considerat­ions. Goldberg, selected in the 10th round of the 2013 draft, has a 2.82 ERA in 22 1/3 innings at Double-A this season. He will not be placed on the Diamondbac­ks’ 40-man roster.

Injury report

Lovullo said outfielder A.J. Pollock (thumb) will receive an X-ray Monday and outfielder Steven Souza (pectoral) will get an MRI to see how their injuries are healing. … Top pitching prospect Jon Duplantier has been shut down a week with biceps tendonitis.

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