Getting plunked three times in his rehab stint, paired with the fear of incurring another injury that could keep him on the injured list, pushed the Seattle Mariners’ $9.75 million star over the edge. It was the 28-year-old outfielder’s fourth rehab game with Triple-A Tacoma in Las Vegas against the Aviators, and he was caught enraged after Aviators starter Joey Estes pitched a fastball up and inside.

Frustrated at being hit 5 times in 15 at-bats, Victor Robles threw his bat at Estes. He’s the same pitcher who hit Robles last season in Oakland as well. This time, Robles also tried to swing his bat in a way to defend himself. However, when he furiously threw his bat, he was immediately ejected and had to be restrained by teammates.

Umpire Joe McCarthy ordered him to leave in a hurry as he appeared to walk towards Estes to confront him. Players from both teams rushed to block Robles.

While walking out of the field, he was seen angrily throwing the drinks card on the sideline. The clip of the moment immediately went viral. Now, Robles is expected to receive a major suspension for what unfolded on Sunday night. On top of that, MLB could also hand him a suspension if it decides to take action over the incident. Let’s just note that the minor league suspension will not directly affect his major league status.

The Mariners outfielder has missed most of this season, as he dislocated his shoulder earlier and is now recovering from the injury. His stint in the minor leagues is part of the rehab timeline set by the Mariners.

He was expected to return to the major leagues in late September, but that could only happen if his suspension is not upgraded on the MLB level. There are no updates from MLB as of now, but Robles has a message to share with the fans and the league.

Mariners’ outfielder issues apology after throwing bat at Estes

Following the heated incident during Victor Robles’ rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma, the Mariners’ outfielder issued a sincere apology. “I want to take a moment to sincerely apologize for my recent reaction on the field. 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 noted.

He emphasized that coming off a long rehab and being away from the game has taken a toll on him both physically and mentally. All of it combined with the stress of returning from a fractured shoulder, which he suffered earlier in April while making a catch during a game in San Francisco.

He further mentioned that it’s been “incredibly hard” for him to deal with the recent passing of his mom. The Mariners’ player is doing his best to hold it together, and while he shared this message, he didn’t mean to give this as an excuse for his doing. “I feel you deserve to understand where I’m coming from,” he explained.

Not once or twice, but Robles has been plunked multiple times since the beginning of his rehab assignment. “Getting hit 5 times in 15 at-bats added to that pressure, and I reacted in a way I’m not proud of.” He further emphasized being committed to becoming a better player, teammate, and competitor. Although the Mariners have yet to comment about this, for now, we know Robles’ side. His focus remains on regaining composure and building a stronger mindset.