Robles has no regrets over catch that injured shoulder

SEATTLE -- To little surprise given his vibrant personality, even with the development of being sidelined until at least early July, Victor Robles has remained in good spirits since suffering a fractured left shoulder when making a remarkable diving catch into the net on Sunday in San Francisco.

In fact, he said he wouldn’t change anything about the experience -- other than the injury outcome.

“100% absolutely,” Robles said through an interpreter before Friday’s game vs. the Rangers, when asked if he’d still attempt the play that will be on a shortlist for the Mariners’ catch of the year.

“I'm always going to go out there and try to do my best to try to save whatever pitcher of mine is on the mound."

Robles also recounted the catch from his vantage point.

“I just remember that we were in a very exciting game, and when that ball went up, I saw a diamond, and I've got to go chase that diamond,” Robles said. “So I saw the ball, and I just went out for it and tried to do my job.”

And he said that, despite the pain that ensued, he’s allowed himself to watch the replay.

“I still ask myself, 'How does a net fracture you like that?'” Robles said. “Which is why one of the reasons why I went so hard over there, because [it was] a net.”

The incredible catch illustrated Robles’ style of play as arguably the most aggressive on the Mariners’ roster. It also underscored the inherent risk that said mentality comes with it.

“I think that's just something that kind of defined the character as myself,” Robles said. “I'm going out there and giving 110%. I'm not going to change or do anything that makes me different.”

The good news, at least for now, is that Robles doesn’t need surgery, though that situation will continue to be monitored based on how the small fracture in the humeral head of the shoulder heals. The first follow-up evaluation is slated for next week. The fact that this is the first significant shoulder injury, rather than a repeat occurrence from earlier in his career, could help, too.

And he hopes to remain with the team as much as possible throughout the recovery.

“Even during the game, I'm here in the dugout, just trying to share a little bit of my positivity to [my teammates],” Robles said. “And if they see me, hopefully it's a little bit contagious.”

In Robles’ stead, Luke Raley has started in right field in each of the Mariners’ four games since Robles' injury, while Julio Rodríguez has slotted into Robles’ role at leadoff, other than Tuesday’s game vs. Houston, when the Mariners were facing a lefty starter and Dylan Moore batted first.

Both Raley and Rodríguez figure to be semi-permanent fixtures in those respective roles, though Mariners manager Dan Wilson has said that the club can -- and will -- adjust as needed.

But there’s no denying that Robles’ absence is felt -- and will continue to be missed.