Victor Robles' Mariners rehab assignment is ironically turning into a health hazard

The Seattle Mariners are itching to get their everyday right fielder back for the stretch run. They’re probably circling Victor Robles’ return on the calendar like it’s a holiday. But now? They’re just hoping he can survive Triple-A long enough to make it back in one piece.

Robles has already been through enough. He dislocated his left shoulder and suffered a small fracture in the humeral head while making a highlight-reel catch against the right-field wall in San Francisco back in April. He crashed into the netting, crumpled to the ground, and began what turned into a four-month fight back to good health.

Victor Robles’ comeback story now includes dodging baseballs in Vegas

Now, after all the rehab, rest, and patience, Mariners fans are begging the Las Vegas Aviators pitching staff for one simple favor: stop hitting this man.

We’re not exaggerating. Robles’ rehab assignment started with a nice gap double in his first at-bat. Since then, it’s been less about finding his timing and more about dodging incoming projectiles. Nine plate appearances. Two games. Three hit-by-pitches.

Forget that being a stat line; it’s more like an OSHA violation. He was plunked twice in his first game, the second of which forced him to leave as a precaution. Then, in his very next at-bat the following day? Drilled again. This time, Robles didn’t hide his frustration.

Can you blame him? His shoulder just spent an entire summer in witness protection, and now Vegas is treating him like he owes them money.

To be fair, Robles does crowd the plate. It’s part of what makes him a pest for pitchers. He wore 10 pitches in his first full season with Seattle alone. But getting drilled like this in Triple-A is a bit much. Even for him.

Nobody’s suggesting the Aviators are headhunting. This isn’t some Triple-A blood feud. But every bruise, every stinger, every “get some ice on it” moment is one more risk the Mariners do not need to take.

The team’s postseason hopes are real, and Robles is a key part of that picture. The last thing Seattle needs is for his long-awaited return to be derailed by some errant fastball in a minor league box score nobody will remember.

So, please, Vegas, on behalf of Mariners fans everywhere; keep the baseballs away from Robles. We’ll send a thank-you card when he’s back patrolling right field at T-Mobile Park.