Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles threw his bat at pitcher Joey Estes, prompting umpires to eject him from a minor league rehab game Sunday.
Visibly frustrated with a pitch thrown up and in by Estes, Robles flung his bat towards the hurler, who plays for the Las Vegas Aviators, the Triple-A affiliate of the Athletics. Robles swung at Estesâ fastball to protect himself, and the umpire ruled it a foul ball. In his previous four rehab games with Triple-A Tacoma, pitchers hit him with a pitch three times.
After throwing his bat at Estes during the third inning, Robles took a few steps toward the mound to meet the 23-year-old pitcher for a confrontation. Furthermore, home plate umpire Joe McCarthy and Estes’ Las Vegas teammates quickly stopped the nine-year Major League Baseball veteran.
Mariners’ Victor Robles Apologizes
Robles dislocated his shoulder in early April, and the Seattle Mariners transitioned him from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on April 23. He has appeared in only 10 games this season and logged 46 plate appearances.
On Sunday night, the outfielder took to his personal Instagram page to apologize for his actions, mentioning a buildup of frustration due to his health and the recent passing of his mother.
“Coming off a long rehab and being away from the game for most of the season has been physically and mentally challenging,” Robles wrote in his Instagram story. “Adding to that, the recent passing of my mother has been incredibly hard, and I’ve been doing my best to hold it together. That’s not an excuse, but some context I feel you deserve to understand where I’m coming from.”
Robles added, “Getting hit 5 times in 15 at-bats added to that pressure, and I reacted in a way I’m not proud of. This game means the world to me, and so do the people who play it. I respect every one of you, not just as a player, but as a teammate and competitor.”
Robles did not apologize to Estes directly, who has thrown seven innings for the A’s this season after making 25 starts for the American League West club in 2024. Estes had already plunked Robles twice in a matchup between the Rainiers and Aviators on August 12.
Suspension Incoming for Victor Robles?
Robles will likely face a lengthy suspension for the bat-throwing incident on Sunday.
“Even with the apology, Robles is likely to face discipline for throwing the bat,” wrote Mike Axisa of CBS Sports on Monday. “Delmon Young was suspended 50 games without pay for throwing his bat and hitting the home plate umpire in a Triple-A game in 2006.”
Robles signed with the Seattle Mariners last summer after the Washington Nationals released the Dominican Republic native after eight seasons. Robles received a two-year contract extension after a strong batting line of .328/.393/.467 with four homers and 30 stolen bases in 77 games last season with Seattle.
Soon, Robles will learn his fate for his actions in Sunday’s game. He may not see the field in the Major Leagues with the Mariners for quite some time.
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