WATCH: Seattle Mariners Player Hurls Bat at Pitcher in Shocking Moment
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Seattle Mariners right fielder Victor Robles threw his bat at a pitcher Sunday after a pitch sailed up and inside and almost hit him.
The shocking moment came as Robles was playing Sunday for the Tacoma Rainiers — the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate — as part of a rehab assignment.
In the third inning of the game against the Las Vegas Aviators, pitcher Joey Estes tried to throw a pitch high and inside that ended up being a little too much of both.
Standing in the batter’s box, Robles snapped his head back to avoid the wayward pitch. During the motion, he inadvertently swung the bat and actually fouled it off — preventing the ball from hitting him.
Robles was incensed by the play and hurled his bat in the Estes’ direction. The home plate umpire immediately ejected the right fielder from the game.
Robles held his arms out as he appeared to look for an explanation from Estes. He then charged at the pitcher while the umpire and a teammate held him back.
After the game, Robles issued a public apology via Instagram:
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 for 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.
I’m committed to being better, not just as a player, but as a teammate and competitor. I appreciate your understanding, and I’m grateful to be back on the field doing what I love.
Thank you.
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