Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles has been suspended for 10 games and fined by Major League Baseball for throwing his bat at a pitcher during a Triple-A rehab game on Sunday. The incident occurred after Robles was pitched inside, leading to an immediate ejection and subsequent disciplinary action.
Victor Robles, a player for the Seattle Mariners, has received a 10-game suspension and an undisclosed fine from MLB for misconduct during a minor league game. He threw his bat in the direction of Las Vegas Aviators pitcher Joey Estes after a pitch that he perceived as threatening, which was captured on video and widely circulated.
The event took place on Sunday during the top of the third inning of a game between the Tacoma Rainiers (Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate) and the Las Vegas Aviators. MLB announced the suspension on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, making it public within the last 24 hours from the current time.
Robles’ actions were driven by frustration, as he had been hit by pitches three times in his previous four games with Tacoma. Additionally, he cited personal challenges, including the recent passing of his mother, which compounded his emotional state during the rehab assignment for a shoulder injury sustained in April.
During the at-bat, Estes’ first pitch was inside, and Robles swung to avoid being hit. After dropping his bat, he picked it up and threw it towards Estes, resulting in immediate ejection by plate umpire Joe McCarthy. The bat did not hit Estes, but the action was deemed dangerous and unsportsmanlike, leading to the suspension.
The suspension delays Robles’ return to the Mariners’ active roster, as he has been recovering from injury. This could affect the team’s outfield depth, although the Mariners have strengthened their lineup recently and are in playoff contention, sitting 1.5 games behind the Houston Astros in the American League West.
Robles is appealing the suspension, so the disciplinary action is on hold pending the appeal process. Once resolved, he will serve the suspension upon returning to MLB. The Mariners will need to manage his absence as they push for the postseason, and Robles has apologized on social media, acknowledging his mistake.
MLB’s decision underscores the league’s stance against violent conduct, even in minor league games, and serves as a reminder of the emotional pressures players face during rehab assignments. The incident has sparked discussions about player behavior and the support systems in place for athletes dealing with personal issues.