CLEVELAND -- While Victor Robles played in four games for the Mariners last week after returning from the injured list, his presence on the field came with a bit of an asterisk due to the appeal process of a 10-game suspension hanging over his head.
On Friday, both Robles and the Mariners got some clarity on the situation, as Major League Baseball announced that the suspension had been dropped to seven games. He began serving it immediately and will be able to return on Sept. 6 at Atlanta.
He was informed of the news earlier in the day by his agent, who had spoken with the MLB Players Association and Major League Baseball.
Robles’ suspension stemmed from when he threw a bat at pitcher Joey Estes while he was on a rehab assignment in Triple-A.
“I’m happy it got reduced because it’s three less games I have to wait,” Robles said pregame on Friday.
He played in two games against the Athletics last weekend and two games against the Padres this week, going 2-for-13 with two RBIs. He’ll spend the weekend in Cleveland with the Mariners during their series against the Guardians (he’s eligible to remain with the team during the suspension) before heading to the team’s complex in Arizona for the duration of a three-game series against the Rays. He’ll then rejoin the team in Atlanta ahead of his reinstatement.
“I’m really happy to be back with my teammates after being away for so long,” Robles said through an interpreter.
Robles, who hit .328 in 77 games with the Mariners last year after they signed him as a free agent midseason, was on a rehab assignment due to a shoulder injury that he suffered in April while making a tough catch.
This time away will be a bit different.
“It’s tough because I have to wait seven games to play, but I’m happy to be back and am ready to go,” Robles said.
His suspension being cut down also helps the construction of the Mariners’ roster. Although they’ll have to play a man down while Robles is suspended, the Mariners will be able to add another position player to the roster on Monday as a part of the September roster expansion.
“We’re down a man, that’s the way I look at it,” manager Dan Wilson said. “It’s really only for the next three games; it’ll feel a lot less impactful [after Sept. 1]. I think the way it’s all turned out we’re in a decent spot.”
Dominic Canzone drew the start in right field on Friday, and should be in line to see more action due to Robles’ suspension. Luke Raley is also an option.
“Obviously the unknown is always the hardest so getting an answer to it [was nice],” Wilson said. “It’s outstanding there was a reduction to it; glad that it’s just seven games and then he’ll be back in Atlanta.”
Robles’ return can’t come soon enough for the Mariners. Their right fielders entered play on Friday having combined for a .221 batting average (tied for sixth-worst in baseball).
“I’m just going to do the best I can to keep working so I’m at my best when I get back,” Robles said.