Robles throws bat toward pitcher after near-HBP during rehab game

Mariners outfielder Victor Robles was ejected from Sunday’s rehab game for Triple-A Tacoma after throwing his bat at a pitcher who nearly hit him with a pitch.

Robles took offense to the first pitch he saw in the third inning (his second at-bat of the game) from Las Vegas right-hander Joey Estes. Robles swung at Estes’ up-and-in offering but was nearly clipped on the right shoulder by the pitch. He was replaced by outfielder Victor Labrada, who struck out.

The Seattle outfielder, rehabbing a dislocated left shoulder he suffered in April, initially dropped his bat but picked it back up and hurled it in Estes’ direction from near home plate. After being promptly ejected by home plate umpire Joe McCarthy, Robles gestured toward Estes and began heading for the mound, where McCarthy and Rainiers teammates held the outfielder back.

Robles had already been hit by a pitch three times in five rehab games for Tacoma, including twice on Tuesday (once by Estes). Last year in the Majors on Sept. 5, 2024, Robles was hit twice against the A’s, including once by Estes. The A’s have hit Robles with a pitch four times since the start of 2024.

After the incident, Robles posted the following on his Instagram story:

"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.

"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. That’s not an excuse, but some context I feel you deserve to understand where I’m coming from.

"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 – 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. I appreciate your understanding, and I’m grateful to be back on the field doing what I love.

"Thank you."