Victor Robles’ return to the Mariners will be delayed, not because of a setback or an injury, but due to a punishment for throwing his bat at an opposing player.
On Tuesday afternoon, Major League Baseball announced that Robles has received a 10-game suspension and undisclosed fine for his actions Sunday, while playing in the fourth game of his rehab stint with Triple-A Tacoma. The suspension must be served at the MLB level, meaning it will go into effect whenever Robles is reinstated from the injured list.
Robles will appeal the suspension. He could have it reduced by a game or two at most. He is still eligible to participate on his current rehab assignment while the appeals process is being concluded.
When the Mariners reinstate Robles from the injured list and add him to the active 26-man roster, he will begin serving his suspension. During that time, the team cannot add a player to the roster to take his place. The Mariners will have to play without a 13th position player.
Robles has missed most of the season after suffering a left shoulder separation and small fracture while making a catch during the first road trip of the season. The initial plan was for him to accumulate 50 plate appearances on the rehab assignment and then be reinstated around Sept. 1 when MLB rosters expand by one pitcher and one position player. If the Mariners stay on that plan and reinstate him on Sept. 1, they would still have 13 position players while Robles serves his suspension.
The incident occurred Sunday evening at Las Vegas Ballpark when Aviators starting pitcher Joey Estes threw a fastball up and inside that Robles swung at almost out of defense. The pitch still struck him in the upper body, but was ruled a foul ball. Stunned by the impact, Robles fell backward out of the box, dropping his bat and losing his helmet.
Having been hit by pitches three times already in the series by Las Vegas pitchers, including a fastball to the ribs from Estes a few days earlier, Robles became enraged. He grabbed his bat, flinging it at Estes and then started walking toward the mound for a confrontation. He was immediately ejected and had to be restrained by teammates. Robles fought leaving the field and later threw a case of sunflower seed packages on the field from the dugout.
Had Robles simply charged the mound to confront Estes, the punishment would be less severe. But throwing his bat is what earned him the 10-game suspension.
Robles issued an apology on Instagram after the incident, writing:
“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.”
Ryan Divish: rdivish@seattletimes.com. Ryan Divish covers the Mariners in Seattle and on the road. Look for his ‘Extra Innings’ podcast and mailbags during the season.