MLB took quick action in response to Houston Astros first baseman Yulieski Gurriel’s racist gesture that was directed toward Yu Darvish in Game 3 of the World Series. Though, the caveat with five-game suspension MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced was it not beginning until 2018.
Manfred explained he wanted the punishment to include a loss of salary, while also not wanting the “burden of the discipline” to fall on anyone other than Gurriel. Furthermore, Manfred intimated Darvish’s sound reaction and response factored into the league’s decision.
While Manfred has drawn criticism for the delayed punishment that was imposed, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts voiced his support of the commissioner.
“I’m happy that the Commissioner of Major League Baseball dealt with it very swiftly. I think that it gives us all some closure in the sense that it was something that happened,” he said prior to Game 4 at Minute Maid Park.
“The way that it was dealt with I support. The way that Yu responded, I think on camera, through social media, I completely commend him, support him, echo his thoughts that we need to learn from this. It’s obviously not acceptable. But, again, just echoing what Yu said.
“And for us, speaking for the players, the coaches, the Dodgers, just really trying to get back to focusing on baseball. Two very good ballclubs, two great organizations. And to take the focus off the players at this point, I think the focus should be on the games.”
Roberts went on to add keeping Gurriel on the Astros active roster without games missed would ensure a potential World Series championship for the Dodgers would not have any “asterisks.”
Had Manfred imposed an immediate suspension, it’s all but guaranteed it would’ve been appealed by Gurriel, allowing him to continue playing. He received arguably the loudest ovation of any Astros player during lineup introductions, and proceeded to go 0-for-3 with one strikeout.
