Victor Robles back to IL is the latest sign his 2024 Mariners magic is spent

Victor Robles spent a lot more time off the Mariners' active roster in 2025 than he did on it, and the pattern is already repeating in 2026. On Wednesday, he went on the injured list with a pectoral strain.

As per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, the move is retroactive to Tuesday, April 7. Somewhat ironically, that's one year plus a day since Robles badly injured his shoulder making a spectacular catch in San Francisco. He's played in only 27 regular-season games with the Mariners since then.

This latest injury isn't as serious, and is indeed something of a fluke. According to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, the 28-year-old outfielder hurt himself making throws from the outfield before Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Texas Rangers:

All the same, none of this is slowing the creeping awkwardness of Robles' presence in the Mariners' grand plans. The hope back in 2024 was that he would remain a big part of them, but he increasingly feels like a ghost.

Mariners might have to decide whether to move on from Victor Robles

In an otherwise forgettable year, digging up Robles was arguably the best thing Jerry Dipoto did in 2024. He was still in his prime years when the Washington Nationals cast him off, and thus worth a flier that yielded a .328 average and 30 stolen bases in 77 games.

As surprising as that was, it was perhaps an even bigger surprise when the Mariners locked Robles up with a two-year contract extension with an option for 2027.

It was a bet that the benefits of Robles' change of scenery would be permanent, and that the 3.0 rWAR he ultimately posted as a Mariner that year prove more telling than the 1.6 rWAR from his last 341 games as a National. Even setting aside the injuries, this bet has failed.

The 127 plate appearances Robles has taken since the start of last season have resulted in just a .244/.276/.328 slash line. Even if his speed and arm strength remain real assets, they're not enough for a part-time right fielder if the bat isn't there.

For now, in Robles' spot is Connor Joe, a journeyman who the club added back in February. Fans would have no doubt preferred spring sensation Brennen Davis or former Chicago Cubs slugger Patrick Wisdom, who's been torching Triple-A pitching. Yet only Davis plays the outfield, and it's frankly been a while since his bat was hot.

As for what awaits Robles on the other side of his injury, the answer needs to involve a short leash. Nobody's hoping he gets hurt or rooting for him to keep not hitting. But at a certain point, even his $5.125 million salary shouldn't guarantee a roster spot if he's simply not performing.