Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles was ejected from his minor league rehab assignment on Sunday after an extraordinary outburst.
Playing for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, the 28-year-old threw his bat toward the mound during an at-bat against Las Vegas Aviators starter Joey Estes.
Robles fouled off a high inside fastball that was ruled a strike, but he immediately lost his temper and launched the bat in Estes’ direction. Once back in the dugout, he tossed a bucket of sunflower seeds onto the field, adding to the spectacle.
Hours later, Robles posted an apology on social media. He admitted he “let my frustration get the best of me,” pointing to the physical and mental strain of a long season
He also mentioned his four-month recovery from a dislocated shoulder and the recent death of his mother as factors behind the reaction.
Robles added that repeated hit-by-pitches during his rehab games had fueled his anger. He was struck twice in his first game back on August 12 and once more the following day.
VICTOR ROBLES JUST LAUNCHED A BAT AFTER GETTING HIT @StoolBaseball
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 18, 2025
History with Joey Estes
The clash with Estes carried extra history. The right-hander hit Robles in that same August 12 meeting and plunked him again last September when Oakland faced Seattle.
Control problems have marked Estes’ career, as he has walked 28 batters in 95 minor league outings. He also issued six walks in just two major league starts earlier this year.
For Victor Robles, the timing of the ejection only adds to an already turbulent year. He signed with Seattle in June 2024 and quickly became a spark at the top of the order, batting .328 with 30 steals in 77 games.
That performance earned him a two-year, $9.75m extension with a club option for 2027.
The promise of 2025 faded in April when he dislocated his shoulder making a diving catch in San Francisco. He said he had no regrets about the play, but it sidelined him for months.
Instead of quietly easing back to form, Robles has become the subject of one of the season’s strangest ejections.
Tacoma is off Monday before opening a series against the Oklahoma City Comets. The Aviators aren’t on the schedule again, but how Robles responds to this flashpoint will be closely watched.
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