{"id":118408,"date":"2026-04-10T00:13:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T04:13:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=118408"},"modified":"2026-04-10T00:13:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T04:13:29","slug":"mariners-victor-robles-injury-replacement-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/04\/10\/mariners-victor-robles-injury-replacement-options\/","title":{"rendered":"Breaking Down the Mariners\u2019 Options with Victor Robles Injured"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Seattle Mariners announced before the final game of their series with the Texas Rangers that <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/roblevi01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Victor Robles<\/a> had been placed on the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/04\/09\/mariners-outfielder-victor-robles-pec-strain-10-day-injured-list\/\" target=\"_self\">10-day injured list<\/a> with a pec strain. He could be back on the roster after 10 days, but pec strains can be notoriously difficult to recover from. If the injury keeps him out for an extended period of time, the Mariners will have several different directions they can take in terms of replacements for Robles.<\/p>\n<p class=\"alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 1200px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"b0c95bc04383cef69c6b47df872135cf\" image-id=\"WmOBNv186SRR\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 3600px; aspect-ratio: 3600\/2400;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<h2>Potential Replacements for Victor Robles in the Mariners Lineup<\/h2>\n<p>The Mariners called up <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/j\/joeco01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Joe<\/a> to the 26-man roster in a corresponding move, and it was a 2026 debut to forget. After grounding into a double play, he then sailed a throw home, allowing two runs to score and ending another productive outing for <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/w\/woobr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bryan Woo<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Just how we drew it up ?\u200d\u2642\ufe0f <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/AllForTX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#AllForTX<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/YBQ7P97Rnw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/YBQ7P97Rnw<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Texas Rangers (@Rangers) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Rangers\/status\/2041969916325327237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 8, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Joe now seems to have been more of a one-day solution to give <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/n\/naylojo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josh Naylor<\/a> an off day rather than become a long-term replacement. There is not much he offers other than playing first base and outfield, which are already covered by both <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/raleylu01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-10_br\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Luke Raley<\/a> and <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/refsnro01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-10_br\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rob Refsnyder<\/a>. A lack of defensive upside makes it difficult to see him filling the broader role Robles provided. Within their minor league system, some options provide much greater value if Robles is indeed out for a longer period of time.<\/p>\n<p>While the calls for <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=emerso001col&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Colt Emerson<\/a> will be loud following his <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/03\/31\/colt-emerson-deal-shows-mariners-new-front-office-strategy\/\" target=\"_self\">new deal<\/a>, he does not fit the profile or value that\u00a0Robles provided for this roster. That includes a right-handed bat to help balance the lineup, particularly against left-handed pitching, along with plus outfield defense and strong baserunning. The Mariners are not just replacing a player; they are replacing the role, and how they choose to do that will shape how this roster functions in the short term.<\/p>\n<h3>Patrick Wisdom<\/h3>\n<p><a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wisdopa01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patrick Wisdom<\/a>, while not an obvious fit if the Mariners are looking for a like-for-like replacement for Robles, represents the clearest offensive upside, even if it comes with some risk. He is a right-handed hitter, which would allow <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/d\/donovbr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brendan Donovan<\/a> to move into the outfield and would help solve the logjam of left-handed hitters in the lineup. Having had a very productive season in the KBO for the KIA Tigers, where he put up a 126 wRC+, his bat is the obvious strength, and one the Mariners should prioritize. For a team desperately searching for offense after such a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/04\/09\/mariners-offense-collapse\/\" target=\"_self\">historically poor start to the season<\/a>, a player who has already hit eight home runs in Triple-A deserves serious consideration.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Crushed. Patrick Wisdom blasts his 8th HR. <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/5VEnvH9NT2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/5VEnvH9NT2<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MiLBMariners\/status\/2042054416409489829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 9, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>There is a clear risk, particularly with a strikeout rate close to 40%, but Wisdom has opened 2026 scorching hot. Through 12 games, he has posted an OPS of 1.467 and a slugging percentage of 1.000. Importantly, his in-zone contact rate sits at 80%, which stands in stark contrast to current Mariners hitters like <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/raleica01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-10_br\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cal Raleigh<\/a>, who are <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/04\/07\/inside-mariners-cal-raleigh-struggles-early-2026\/\" target=\"_self\">struggling to make contact<\/a> on pitches in the zone. His power upside is enormous, and with his current form, now may be the time to capitalize on a hitter with a Hard Hit rate of 62%. The jump from Triple-A to MLB is significant, and he has struggled at this level before, but given his current form, he could provide the offensive injection this lineup desperately needs.<\/p>\n<p>He would not replace Robles\u2019 defensive value, but he could provide the offensive boost this lineup is searching for.<\/p>\n<h3>Rylan Thomas<\/h3>\n<p>Rylan Thomas profiles as the closest defensive replacement for Robles, offering value through defense and baserunning rather than offensive production. Following a breakout camp at the plate in <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/03\/19\/mariners-prospects-spring-training\/\" target=\"_self\">spring training<\/a>, Thomas always looked primed for a call-up, particularly if an outfielder went down. However, his primary value is not with the bat. As another left-handed outfielder, he would likely sit behind <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/c\/canzodo01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dominic Canzone<\/a> and Luke Raley in terms of offensive opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, Thomas offers strong defensive value, with the ability to play center field if needed, along with plus baserunning. If the Mariners can hold a lead, something that has been rare so far, he would provide an immediate upgrade as a defensive substitute. He has also shown enough this spring to suggest he can hold his own at the plate when called upon.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Rhylan Thomas runs it down at the wall. <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/d4qBqLOQNM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/d4qBqLOQNM<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MiLBMariners\/status\/2042068142038642923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">April 9, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>This is likely the closest the Mariners can get to replicating the role Robles played: a late-game contributor who adds defensive value and baserunning without relying heavily on offensive production.<\/p>\n<h3>Brock Rodden<\/h3>\n<p>Another deeper option, and perhaps more of a wild card, is prospect <a  target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=rodden000bro&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-09_br\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brock Rodden<\/a>, who offers the most versatility of the available options, providing flexibility as a switch-hitter with defensive value across multiple positions. At 26 years old, he is not a young, high-upside prospect, but he offers a skill set that aligns with some of the value Robles provides.<\/p>\n<p>Having spent most of his career in the infield, the Mariners have begun transitioning him to the outfield in Triple-A Tacoma this season, potentially with this kind of role in mind. He is a solid defender with 60-grade speed according to FanGraphs and offers some power, even if he is not viewed as a plus hitter overall. What Rodden has over Thomas is his ability to switch-hit, which gives the Mariners greater flexibility in a lineup that is currently heavily left-handed.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, there is no perfect replacement for Robles on this roster. Each option forces the Mariners to prioritize a different strength, offense, defense, or versatility, and the decision will reflect what they value most in the short term.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n<p><!-- notionvc: 366dbf48-9b26-4102-8018-91c42b8b7199 --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Seattle Mariners announced before the final game of their series with the Texas Rangers that Victor Robles had been placed on the 10-day injured list with a pec strain. He could be back on the roster after 10 days, but pec strains can be notoriously difficult to recover from. If the injury keeps him [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5718,"featured_media":92208,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1071,35,17],"tags":[5815,28894,2060,6478,4535,4144,1856,5189,6370,2462],"class_list":["post-118408","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb","category-news","category-mariners","tag-brendan-donovan","tag-bryan-woo","tag-cal-raleigh","tag-colt-emerson","tag-connor-joe","tag-josh-naylor","tag-luke-raley","tag-patrick-wisdom","tag-rob-refsnyder","tag-victor-robles"],"modified_by":"Lewis Masella, Site Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118408","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5718"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=118408"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118408\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":118465,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118408\/revisions\/118465"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/92208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=118408"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=118408"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=118408"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}