UPDATE: Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles has been handed a 10-game suspension and fined for throwing his bat during a heated moment in a Triple-A game on Sunday. The announcement was made by Major League Baseball early Tuesday, confirming the disciplinary action is effective upon his return to the Mariners’ active roster.
The incident occurred during the top of the third inning against Las Vegas, where Robles was on a rehab assignment. After an inside pitch from Joey Estes, Robles swung at the ball in an attempt to avoid being hit. He then dropped the bat, picked it up, and hurled it towards Estes, leading to his immediate ejection from the game by home plate umpire Joe McCarthy.
Robles, who has faced challenges during his rehab, including being hit by pitches three times in just four games with Tacoma, reacted emotionally, stepping towards the mound while shouting at Estes. The situation escalated until McCarthy and others intervened.
Following the game, Robles took to social media to express his regret, sharing, “Coming off a long rehab and being away from the game for most of the season has been physically and mentally challenging. Adding to that, the recent passing of my mother has been incredibly hard, and I’ve been doing my best to hold it together.” He emphasized that while his actions were unacceptable, they were influenced by his difficult circumstances.
Robles is currently appealing the suspension, meaning the enforcement of this disciplinary action is on hold until the appeal process concludes. He has been recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in April, and this suspension adds another layer of complexity to his return to Major League Baseball.
This incident highlights the intense pressure players face, particularly during rehab assignments, and the emotional toll that personal challenges can have on performance. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as Robles navigates this suspension and its implications for his future with the Mariners.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.