Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles suffered a left shoulder injury and was carted off the field after an incredible catch in the ninth inning of a 5-4 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday.
Robles was playing right field when he sprinted to catch a fly ball hit by Patrick Bailey. In an effort to make the play, he leaped over a low railing in foul territory, only to fall over the wall and crash into the netting. The impact left him visibly in pain, and he immediately flipped the ball away with his right hand while clutching his left arm.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson confirmed Robles had a shoulder-related injury and was undergoing tests at Oracle Park. “He’s such a force—big hits, great defense, and a game-changer on the bases. He’s a key player at the top of our lineup, and we’re hoping for the best,” Wilson said.
At 31, Robles has been a strong contributor this season, batting .273 with three RBIs and three stolen bases over 10 games. Last year, he hit .328 and stole 30 bases in 31 attempts, becoming the first Mariners player to maintain a .320-plus average since Ichiro Suzuki in 2009.
The Giants secured the win shortly after Robles’ injury with a game-winning single from Wilmer Flores. San Francisco challenged the catch, but the call was upheld.
Center fielder Julio Rodriguez quickly signaled for athletic trainers after seeing Robles go down. “He’s a very impactful player for us, both defensively and offensively. I just noticed he was in pain and called the trainers immediately,” Rodriguez said.
Giants right fielder Mike Yastrzemski noted that the netting along the right-field wall likely prevented a more serious injury. “Who knows what could’ve happened? It’s one of those situations where you hope he’s OK. I’ve never seen anything like that,” Yastrzemski said.
Robles, known for his fearless playing style, could have let the ball go foul, but his competitive spirit wouldn’t allow it. “That’s just not who he is,” said Bryan Woo, who started for the Mariners. “He’s got the respect of everyone in the clubhouse.”