MLB revealed its punishment for Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles following a bizarre incident.
Robles, who went on the injured list with a dislocated left shoulder in early April, got hit by a pitch while playing a minor-league rehab game for Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday. It marked the fourth time he was hit in five games and the second time Las Vegas starter Joey Estes plucked him during that span.
An incensed Robles hurled his bat toward Estes and charged the pitcher's mound. After the benches cleared, he threw bags of sunflower seeds from the dugout.
MLB announced a severe penalty, suspending Robles for 10 games. The 28-year-old will appeal in hopes of receiving a reduced number of games.
Following the incident, Robles posted an apology on Instagram.
"I want to take a moment to sincerely apologize for my recent reaction on the field," Robles wrote. "I let my frustration get the best of me, and I understand how that may have affected not just the game, but the energy and respect we all work so hard to maintain."
Robles called his long injury absence "physically and mentally challenging" and said he's also dealing with the recent passing of his mother. The multiple beanings caused a tipping point.
"Getting hit five times in 15 at-bats added to that pressure, and I reacted in a way I'm not proud of," he added. "This game means the world to me, and so do the people who play it. I respect every one of you — my teammates, the opposing players, and everyone in this league. I’m committed to being better, not just as a player, but as a teammate and competitor."
The suspension will delay Robles' return to Seattle, as he must serve the 10-game ban at the MLB level once he's activated from the IL. In the meantime, he can continue his rehab assignment.
Once a top prospect, Robles fizzled out with the Washington Nationals before finding new life elsewhere. He batted .328/.393/.467 and stole 30 bases in 77 games with the Mariners last year.
Robles began the 2025 season as Seattle's leadoff hitter, but he played just 10 games before going on the IL. Although he has five hits in as many rehab games, the suspension means he likely can't return until September.
The Mariners are tied with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees for the American League's three wild-card spots and trail the Houston Astros by 1.5 games for the AL West lead. A healthy Robles could bolster a lineup that added power hitters Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez at the trade deadline to support an elite pitching staff.
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