Seattle Mariners Face Setback as Victor Robles Receives 10-Game Suspension

The Seattle Mariners will be without their outfielder Victor Robles for at least the next 10 games following a recent suspension. MLB insider Ben Verlander reported that Robles was suspended and fined an undisclosed amount after an altercation during a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma.

The incident occurred when Robles, frustrated after being hit by pitches multiple times, threw his bat at pitcher Joey Estes and subsequently tossed a bucket of sunflower seeds onto the field. This act came shortly after Estes hit him with a pitch three times over the past year, adding to Robles' frustration during a challenging period that included his recovery from a dislocated shoulder and the loss of his mother.

In response to the situation, Robles addressed his actions on social media, stating, "I let my frustration get the best of me. Getting hit 5 times in 15 at-bats added to that pressure, and I reacted in a way I'm not proud of." The timing is particularly unfortunate for the Mariners, as the team was preparing for his return after he had not played in a major league game since April 6.

Robles, who joined the Mariners from the Washington Nationals last season, was performing well before his injury, achieving a slash line of .328/.393/.467 with four home runs, 26 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases in 77 games. He was expected to play a crucial role in the Mariners' lineup for 2025, especially after the team extended his contract for two years in August.

Despite the setback with Robles, the Mariners remain competitive in the American League playoff race, currently sitting 1.5 games behind the Houston Astros for the division lead and holding one of the three AL wild-card spots, three games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians.