Victor Robles turned on the jets for the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, giving the team a much-needed boost against the Cleveland Guardians. In a thrilling display, Robles etched his name into the Mariners' history books, becoming the first player since 2019 to notch two-plus hits and swipe three-plus bases in a single game. The last Mariner to achieve such a feat was Mallex Smith against the Texas Rangers.
Robles' standout moment came in the sixth inning. After singling, he showcased his speed by stealing both second and third base, eventually crossing home plate thanks to an infield single by Julio Rodriguez. This run was crucial, marking the Mariners' fourth of the game and ending a frustrating streak of 13 games without scoring at least four runs-a franchise record they'd rather forget.
It's been a challenging year for Robles, who started the season in a platoon role against left-handed pitchers but was sidelined by an injury in early April. Currently, he's batting .250 with a .284 on-base percentage and a .565 OPS, along with six stolen bases. His speed is a key asset for a lineup heavily reliant on the long ball.
Sunday's game saw Robles stepping in for the injured Luke Raley and Dominic Canzone, both of whom were out of action. His performance could very well earn him more starts in the near future.
Looking ahead, the Mariners are set to return to T-Mobile Park for a unique three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. They'll face off on Monday and Tuesday, take a break on Wednesday for World Cup events at Lumen Field, and then conclude the series on Thursday. Following this, the Mariners will gear up to host the Toronto Blue Jays over the July 4 holiday weekend.
The Blue Jays, a familiar postseason foe, knocked the Mariners out of the American League Championship Series in 2025 after a nail-biting seven-game showdown. Despite holding leads in the series, the Mariners couldn't close it out, and Toronto eventually fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a seven-game World Series.
For those looking to dive deeper into Mariners' insights, the latest 'Refuse to Lose Territory' podcast is available, offering thoughts on recent travels, Bryan Woo's viral press conference, and more. New episodes drop after Monday's game against the Angels.
Fans can also join the MARINERS on ROUNDTABLE community for free, where they can share their thoughts and engage with fellow fans and staff. Whether posting in text or video, it's a great way to connect with the Mariners' community.
In Other News...
Mariners Add Buddy Kennedy As Another Infield Depth Debate Begins
The Mariners kept adding to their infield options Monday by bringing in Buddy Kennedy, a move that fits the kind of small, practical depth shopping Seattle has been doing as the season wears on. Kennedy arrives from the Giants for cash considerations after spending most of the year at Triple-A Sacramento, and he gives the organization another experienced minor league bat to plug into the system without costing much to acquire.
Kennedy is expected to report to Tacoma, where he can stay ready if Seattle needs an extra body at third or second base. His major league rsum is still thin, with just 8 plate appearances in 7 games this season and no hits to show for them, but the Mariners are clearly treating him as a viable fallback while the bigger infield picture continues to sort itself out, including the possibility of covering for Patrick Wisdom if the need arises. [Read more 🡒]
Mariners May Be Eyeing A Riskier Twins Pivot For Right-Handed Thump
As the trade deadline creeps closer, the Mariners search for offense is starting to look a little broader than the obvious names. Minnesota keeps popping up as a possible source, with Royce Lewis emerging as one alternative to Byron Buxton and Ryan Jeffers also mentioned as a right-handed bat who could help balance Seattles lineup. Lewis has shown some life since coming back from the minors, but the attraction is tied as much to his upside as to the frustration that has followed him for much of his career.
The risk is baked into both Twins options, which is why this feels more like a front-office debate than a clean fit. Lewis comes with the kind of injury history and inconsistency that can make any club hesitate, while Jeffers would need to prove he is healthy enough and worth the at-bats in a crowded mix. Even so, Seattle has the kind of payroll flexibility to chase a bat if it decides the upside is worth the gamble, and that is what makes this a name to keep on the radar. [Read more 🡒]
Mariners May Be Headed For Another Dugout Debate Soon
Speculation around Dan Wilsons future is starting to follow the Mariners again, and it comes with the kind of backdrop that tends to make every loss feel bigger. The discussion is rooted in the clubs current performance and the broader organizational mood, with some around the team wondering whether a change could eventually become necessary if the season keeps going the wrong way.
If Seattle were to decide it needed a new voice before the year is over, the conversation would likely stay inside the building rather than turn outward. Manny Acta has the clearest profile as a replacement given his long run with the organization and prior managerial experience, while Jake McKinley sits farther down the list as more of a wildcard. If the Mariners wait until the offseason, though, the field could widen considerably, with names such as Alex Cora and Grady Sizemore entering the conversation. [Read more 🡒]