Houston Astros Yuli Gurriel Could Face Discipline for Gesture

Celebrating after hitting a home run or making a key play is a part of baseball. However, Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel may have taken things too far on Friday.

There is no question that Yuli Gurriel was a key part of the Houston Astros Game Three victory on Friday. He was 2-5 with a double and a solo home run against Yu Darvish, helping the Astros take to lead the World Series for the first time in franchise history. It should have been an opportunity to celebrate Gurriel and the Astros as they moved one step closer to winning their first World Series title.

Instead, Gurriel’s accomplishments were overshadowed by his actions after hitting the homer. While sitting in the dugout, he brought his fingers to his eyes, appearing to mock Darvish and his ancestry. Gurriel claimed it was due to his excitement given the situation, and how he had never hit a home run against a Japanese pitcher since making his debut. Darvish, for his part, was forgiving after the game, saying that he felt Gurriel just made a mistake.

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While Darvish may be in a forgiving mood, there is no guarantee that Rob Manfred will agree. MLB is already planning on interviewing Gurriel about his gesture in the dugout, and will determine any potential discipline afterwards. A suspension would certainly seem likely, especially as Yunel Escobar, Kevin Pillar, and Matt Joyce had faced discipline for their anti-gay slurs. Gurriel has precedent going against him.

The problem that Manfred faces is the timing of the incident. Suspending Gurriel in the World Series could change that game or two, making a difference as to the outcome. Of course, and possible suspension may be appealed by the Player’s Union anyway, with the suspension likely taking place during the regular season.

It is also strange that Gurriel did not realize how his actions could be interpreted. He played for the Yokohama Bay Stars in 2014, giving him plenty of time to interact with Japanese players and to learn about their culture. Gurriel is also part of a storied baseball family in Cuba, taking place in many international tournaments. Ignorance is not an excuse.

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Yuri Gurriel should be celebrated for his performance. Instead, the Houston Astros first baseman had his actions overshadow his play.