CINCINNATI -- The left thumb of Mariners shortstop prospect Ketel Marte was still heavily wrapped as he made his way around the visitors' clubhouse at Great American Ball Park on Sunday, moments before starting at second base and batting leadoff for the World Team at the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, won by the U.S., 10-1.
One month and 12 days ago, while sliding into second base on a grounder from Triple-A teammate Jesus Montero, Marte's right foot slipped, his left hand came around to brace his fall and his thumb got in the way, causing the fracture that forced him to spend five weeks on the Minor League disabled list.