Astros’ Yuli Gurriel suspended first 5 games of 2018
After making a racist gesture on Friday night, Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel will be suspended the first five games of the 2018 season.
The Houston Astros had plenty of reason to celebrate on Friday night, as they picked up the win in Game 3 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, there was a moment that overshadowed the win during the game. Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel appeared to make a racist gesture mocking Dodgers pitcher Yu Darvish after hitting a solo home run.
After video circulated of his gesture, it became clear that a punishment of some sort was going to be handed down to the Astros’ first baseman. Whether or not it was going to impact the World Series was the question on everyone’s mind.
Well, the ruling is officially out via the MLB. Gurriel is going to be suspended the first fave games of the 2018 season. That means the Astros will have someone else in his spot when next year officially begins. He however will be allowed to remain in the lineup for the rest of this series and help his team try and bring home their first World Series.
Astros 1B Yuli Gurriel suspended without pay for first 5 games of 2018 regular season for inappropriate actions during last night’s game.
— MLB (@MLB) October 28, 2017
With the growing fight for equality and diversity in sports that has helped shape the landscape over the years, it was certainly a disappointing sight to see. Regardless of the stage that it occurred on, there was no room for it and the Astros certainly agree.
After the suspension to begin next season was handed down by the league, the Astros put out a statement. General manager Jeff Lunhow stood by the league’s decision to suspend their first baseman and noted that his salary will be donated to charities that help support diversity.
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The debate now is going to be whether or not the league made the right decision waiting until next
year to suspend him. There is plenty of reason to suspend him now as it occurred during the World Series, but the decision has been made to wait until next season.
As for the rest of the series, the Astros currently hold a 2-1 series advantage lead. With a win on Saturday night, they can push Los Angeles to the brink of elimination and a chance to wrap it up in front of their fans on Sunday.