Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles (10) runs the bases against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in 2024. Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners Could See Key Contributor Return From Injury Earlier Than Expected

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI
By Brady Farkas | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 4:15 PM ET

Speaking before Thursday's series opener with the Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto provided some excellent news on Victor Robles and his potential return to the field, saying that he could be back on the major league roster earlier in September than originally thought.

The following transcript comes from Seattle Sports 710:

"...in the last two days we were informed that if all goes well, Vic has the potential of getting on our roster at some point in September, maybe more early than late.

“Obviously we don’t have the ability to get through any setback, there’s not enough time left on the calendar. But right now he’s working his tail off. It’s trending in the right direction.”

#Mariners Injury Update: Victor Robles could make his return early next month, and Bryce Miller is closing in on a rehab assignment. https://t.co/Hnrkn3LUVz
— Seattle Sports (@SeattleSports) August 1, 2025

This is obviously great news for the Mariners, who have missed Robles at the top of the order, and on the bases. He's been out since early April with a fracture in his left shoulder. We have seen videos of him swinging on the field in just the last few days, which is a major step. The ROOT Sports telecast reported that he was practicing modified diving on Thursday, presumably as a way to test range of motion.

Victor Robles exits the game after making an incredible catch. pic.twitter.com/uJb3XG7AFD
— MLB (@MLB) April 6, 2025

While it's hard to count on anything from Robles at this point, his return would be a welcome one for a roster that needs another right-handed hitting option in the outfield. In a perfect world, he would be able to platoon with Dominic Canzone or Luke Raley in right field.

Robles was hitting .273 in the early going for Seattle. He stole 30 bases in 77 games last season and is a spark plug at the top of the lineup. The M's have utilized J.P. Crawford in the leadoff spot in his absence for most of the year, but Randy Arozarena assumed the leadoff spot in Thursday's 6-0 win.

The Mariners are 58-52 and in sole possession of the third and final wild card spot.

This article first appeared on Seattle Mariners on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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