MLB suspends Victor Robles for throwing bat at pitcher Joey Estes

Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles has been suspended 10 games by the MLB, according to Bob Nightengaleof USA Today. The suspension comes after Robles threw a bat at pitcher Joey Estes during a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma.

The suspension must be served from the MLB level, meaning it will begin when Robles is reinstated from the injury list. He will have the option to appeal the suspension and potentially have it reduced.

The incident occurred Saturday during a game between Tacoma and Las Vegas. Robles threw a bat at Estes after being hit by a pitch and had to be held back by umpires and his teammates as he attempted to charge the mound. He was ejected.

After leaving the field, Victor Robles continued his tirade in the dugout, as he threw a case of sunflower seed packages onto the field. It certainly wasn’t a good look for the outfielder.

Robles later issued an apology on Instagram for his behavior. He mentioned the recent passing of his mother and the number of times he had been hit during previous at-bats during the series as being factors that caused his emotions to boil over.

“I want to take a moment to sincerely apologize for my recent reaction on the field,” Robles wrote according to the Seattle Times. “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.”

Robles suffered the injury on April 6 after making a diving catch. He dislocated his left shoulder and was ruled out for at least 12 weeks. This is his second season with the Mariners, as he signed with the team in June of last year.

Before signing with Seattle, Robles was a member of the Washington Nationals, where he began his MLB career. Robles was with the team for nearly eight seasons and helped the team win the World Series in 2019.

On3’s Brian Jones contributed to this report.