Mariners’ Robles throws bat at pitcher in minor league game

Published 7:30 am Monday, August 18, 2025

Mariners right fielder Victor Robles was ejected from a rehab game with Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday after he threw his bat at the pitcher, who nearly hit him.

Las Vegas Aviators pitcher Joey Estes took a fastball up and inside on Robles during the 28-year-old’s second at-bat of the night.

Robles swung at the pitch to protect himself, then ran behind the umpire and dropped the bat. He immediately picked it up again and hurled it at Estes, knocking off his own helmet in the process.

Robles was immediately ejected from the game, but he first began to charge the mound as Tacoma’s bench cleared and his teammates restrained him. After he got back into the dugout, he threw a cooler onto the field, sending the contents of it flying.

According to MLB Network, Robles was hit three times in five rehab starts. He was hit twice last Tuesday, once by Estes. It is not clear what the punishment will be for the incident.

Robles later issued an apology on his Instagram story.

“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 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.”