Santo Domingo. — Dominican outfielder Víctor Robles, belonging to the Seattle Mariners, starred in a moment of tension in the minor leagues after reacting angrily after being hit by a pitch during his rehabilitation process.
The incident occurred on Sunday in the Triple-A game between the Tacoma Rainiers and the Las Vegas Aviators, when in the third inning Robles was hit by a pitch from pitcher Joey Estes. Immediately, the Dominican threw his bat in the direction of the mound, which led to his ejection from the game.
Longer look at Victor Robles tossing the bat at the pitcher after getting hit, Robles also hucked a caddy of sunflower seeds onto the field after they got him to go back to the dugout pic.twitter.com/cx7pKfeeGX
This was the fourth time in five games that Robles had been hit by a pitch in that series, a situation that ignited his frustration. After leaving the field, he threw objects from the dugout, escalating the controversy.
The 28-year-old player is in the process of recovering from a dislocation in his left shoulder, an injury suffered in April after making a spectacular catch in San Francisco. Before the break, he was recording a .273 average with three doubles and three stolen bases in the season with Seattle.
The Apology Message
This Monday, Robles used his social media to offer a public apology, explaining that emotional and personal factors influenced his reaction:
“I want to take a moment to sincerely apologize for my recent reaction on the field. I let frustration get the better of me and I understand how that could have affected not only the game, but also the energy and respect that we all work so hard to maintain,” he wrote on Instagram.
The Dominican added that the rehabilitation process has been “a challenge both physically and mentally”, aggravated by the recent death of his mother, a situation that has strongly affected his emotional stability.
He also acknowledged that the five hit-by-pitches he received in just 15 at-bats increased the pressure, although he made it clear that “that doesn’t justify” his behavior.
“I am committed to being better, not only as a player, but also as a teammate and competitor. I appreciate your understanding and am grateful to be back on the field doing what I love,” he concluded.
Way back
Robles continues with his assignment in Tacoma, while the Mariners await his prompt reincorporation into the MLB. The team has not confirmed whether the incident will have additional disciplinary repercussions.
