Perdomo defends Marte after reports of D-Backs being upset over days off

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo came to the defense of Ketel Marte on Sunday after reports claimed that teammates were frustrated by the All-Star second baseman's tendency to ask for days off.

"I want to get something clear about my teammate," Perdomo said following a 6-5 loss to the Colorado Rockies, according to Jose M. Romero of The Arizona Republic. "I'm tired of this. It's going to be for all reporters and all the writers. This is the second time something came out (about) Marte.

"I don't want to speak as a teammate, I want to speak as a brother. He just wants to play baseball. Just leave the guy alone, it's been too much for him. ... I feel he doesn't deserve that."

Perdomo added: "Whatever happened in the past, it was in the past. We're playing good baseball right now and I feel like we just want to have fun and we just want to play. Just please, please, you guys have to stop."

D-Backs players and other members of the organization were bothered when Marte missed three games after his house was burglarized during the All-Star break in mid-July, according to a report in The Arizona Republic. The 31-year-old, who said he lost $400,000 worth of items, spent the majority of the time in the Dominican Republic instead of Scottsdale where the incident took place after he was placed on the restricted list.

Some reportedly believe his absence contributed to Arizona's front office selling off key pieces at the trade deadline.

Another report in USA Today claimed the D-Backs are going to listen to offers for Marte in the offseason after having a private meeting with the player when he returned from the extended break.

Marte signed a six-year, $116.5-million extension in April.