Tijuana Toros: Former Padres’ Infielder Oscar Robles Takes Over as Manager
Credit:Diego Perez
On Monday, Aug. 6, the Tijuana Toros announced that Oscar Robles would replace Lino Rivero as manager of the club in a shocking move.
It had already been surprising that Pedro Mere, the manager that led the Toros to a championship in 2017, had been dismissed of his duties before the start of this season.
Now, Lino Rivera will serve as a member of Tijuana’s front office as Oscar Robles will take over as the skipper in what will be his first managing gig. Robles has yet to have a major managing role as he had been serving as the Toros’ hitting coach and is set to take over as Obregon’s manager in the Mexican Pacific League this winter.
The Tijuana native played with his hometown team from 2015-2017 and was part of that championship run in 2017. Robles also went to school across the border as he attended Montgomery High School in Chula Vista, California.
The 42-year-old did make the big leagues in his playing career and inclusively played 24 games with the San Diego Padres back in 2007. His MLB career was not remarkable, just like his short stint with the Friars, where he hit .231 with no home runs and two RBI in 26 at-bats.
In Mexico, Robles is a living legend as he accumulated over 1,500 hits in the LMB and became a key player for Diablos del Mexico and his hometown Toros. The former Friar has always been considered a very intelligent player and it will be interesting to see how he can shape this team that was recently swept by Acereros del Norte.
The Tijuana Toros are still having a solid season, currently tied for second place in the LMB Zona Norte Division with Dos Laredos at 17-13. Robles’ first test will be against Saraperos de Saltillo away from home in a three-game series at the Estadio Francisco I. Madero.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.