Victor Robles throws bat at pitcher after being hit by pitch
- Victor Robles, while playing for the Tacoma Rainiers, was hit by a pitch from pitcher Joey Estes during a game against the Las Vegas Aviators.
- In reaction, he threw his bat at the pitcher, resulting in his ejection from the game and subsequently throwing a cooler onto the field.
- Robles later apologized for his behavior, explaining it was influenced by the pressures of recovery from injury and the recent passing of his mother.
In the United States, an incident occurred during a minor league baseball game involving Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles. On August 17, 2025, Robles was playing for the Tacoma Rainiers as part of his rehabilitation assignment after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained earlier in the season. In the third inning of the game against the Las Vegas Aviators, Robles was hit by a pitch thrown by pitcher Joey Estes, which was high and inside, nearly missing him. He reacted by throwing his bat at the mound, leading to his immediate ejection from the game. This outburst was fueled not only by the impact of being hit once again but also by underlying personal issues, including the recent loss of his mother, which has been an emotional struggle for him during his rehabilitation period. Robles expressed his frustration following the incident, acknowledging that it stemmed from the pressure of his situation, as he had been hit multiple times in previous games. After throwing the bat, he further escalated the situation by tossing a cooler from the dugout onto the field. Despite the outburst, no one was injured in the incident, and the Aviators went on to win the game 12-7, with Victor Labrada replacing Robles in the lineup. Robles has since apologized for his actions, taking full responsibility and explaining that the incident was out of character for him. He recognized the negative impact of his behavior on the game and the respect players owe to one another. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of mental health and how his struggles have been compounded by his injuries and personal loss. The league may impose disciplinary measures against Robles for his actions during this game, as such violent reactions are taken seriously in professional sports. His career trajectory with the Mariners, which started in 2024 after a successful tenure with the Washington Nationals where he won a World Series in 2019, is now in jeopardy due to this incident. Robles is committed to improving himself both as a player and a teammate, aiming to learn from this experience while navigating the challenges that come with returning to the field after a significant injury.