Victor Robles apologized for throwing bat at pitcher: 'I'm not proud'

USA Today

19 hours ago

Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles briefly lost his cool and then made headlines while on a Triple-A rehab assignment for the Tacoma Rainiers.
Robles, who won a World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019, was named an Opening Day starter for the Mariners earlier this season. However, early in the campaign, he made a diving catch and dislocated his shoulder on this play.
As he works his way back into the majors, though, he hasn't exactly had the easiest time. That was especially evident on Sunday night during a particularly scary moment against the Las Vegas Aviators.
During his second plate appearance of the game, Robles was hit by a pitch thrown by right-hander Joey Estes.
After the impact, Robles reacted quickly and not particularly safely, which you can watch below:
Robles picked up his bat and threw it toward Estes, and he was immediately ejected from the game.
Once back in the dugout, Robles created quite a mess when he also tossed a bucket of sunflower seeds onto the field.
Here is what Robles initially posted on social media after the game:
"I want to apologize to everyone, with what happened today on the field, it's a little frustrating coming back from an injury that cost me almost the entire year, at the same time my mother died, and returning to the field to do the rehab games and get hit 5 times in less than 15 at-bats is hard not to react, it wasn't the best attitude, I'm very sorry about what happened."
He later the deleted that post and then shared a longer version of the apology.
Here is the longer version:
"I want to take a moment to sincerely apologize for my recent reaction on the field. I let my frustration get the I 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."
This is important context from Robles, who was also hit by a pitch by Estes both last week and last season.
Robles will probably receive a suspension for his actions on Sunday, though the apology is still important.