Seattle Mariners Outfielder's Frustration Boils Over

In an unexpected display of frustration, Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles was ejected from his minor league rehab assignment game on Sunday after throwing his bat at the pitcher. Robles, playing for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, faced a pitch from Las Vegas Aviators' Joey Estes that was ruled a strike following a foul tip. The 28-year-old MLB veteran took issue with the fastball and reacted by flinging his bat toward the mound.

Robles' Emotional Apology

Following the incident, Robles took to social media to apologize, admitting that he “let my frustration get the best of me.” He cited multiple factors contributing to his emotional state, including the physical and mental toll of a long MLB season, his recovery from a dislocated shoulder, and the recent death of his mother. The intensity of his rehab assignment has also been a source of frustration, as he has been hit by pitches several times, including twice during his first game back with Tacoma on August 12.

A High-Stakes Situation

Robles notably had a tense history with Joey Estes; the right-hander was responsible for one of the hit-by-pitches during the August 12 game and previously plunked Robles during a game between the Mariners and the Oakland Athletics last September. This season, Estes has struggled with control, having walked six batters in two starts for the Athletics and averaging 2.3 walks per nine innings for Las Vegas, along with hitting 28 batters in 95 minor league appearances.

The Rainiers will have Monday off before starting a six-game series against the Oklahoma City Comets on Tuesday. Notably, they will not face the Aviators again this season, allowing Robles some time to cool off and refocus.