MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced a five-game suspension for Houston Astros first baseman Yulieski Gurriel, which will not be imposed until the start of the 2018 season. Gurriel was caught on camera making a racist gesture during Game 3 of the World Series.
Gurriel’s act in the dugout was aimed toward Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yu Darvish, whom Gurriel had just hit a solo home run off. He issued an apology to Darvish after the game and said he didn’t intend any disrespect.
In the wake of Gurriel’s comments, Darvish released a classy statement, encouraging others to spew positively rather than anger. That stance seemingly factored into Manfred’s decision to not suspend Gurriel during the World Series.
“I’ve decided on that timing for four reasons. First of all, I felt it was important that the suspension carried with it the penalty of lost salary,” Manfred explained.
“Secondly, I felt it was unfair to punish the other 24 players on the Astros’ roster. I wanted the burden of this discipline to fall primarily on the wrongdoer.
“Thirdly, I was impressed in my conversation with Yu Darvish by his desire to move forward, and I felt that moving this suspension to the beginning of the season would help in that regard.
“Last, when I originally began thinking about the discipline, I thought that delaying the suspension would allow the player the opportunity to exercise his rights under the grievance procedure.”
Gurriel will not appeal the suspension and will have his lost salary for the five games donated to charity. Had he been suspended during the World Series, it’s all but guaranteed Gurriel would’ve exercised his right to appeal and remained eligible to play.
“There is no place in our game for the behavior — or any behavior — like the behavior we witnessed last night,” Manfred said. “There is no excuse or explanation that makes that type of behavior acceptable.
“Mr Gurriel, to his credit, quickly realized that his behavior last night was wrong. He expressed remorse. I met with him, he reiterated that remorse, and he has assured me that he will be offering a private apology to Mr. Darvish.”
Gurriel is starting at first base in Game 4 and batting fifth in the Astros’ lineup.
