Astros’ Gurriel escapes World Series suspension, to serve five game ban in 2018

Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel escaped suspension in the World Series. However, he will serve a five-game ban next season after his racist gesture towards Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yu Darvish in Game 3 of the World Series. USA Today sports writer Bob Nightingale of USA Today first reported the suspension with word that the MLB will implement the ban next season because of the set up in the appeals process.

After he homered off Darvish in the second inning of their 5-3 win, Gurriel returned to the dugout where he was seen by television cameras making a slant-eyed gesture. Gabe Lacques and Jorge L. Ortiz of USA Today both reported that Gurriel used the Spanish term "Chinito," which translates to "little Chinese guy," in the dugout.

Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said Gurriel will undergo sensitivity training during the offseason. The player’ union agreed not to appeal the suspension on Gurriel’s behalf.

Astros to give Gurriel’s salary to charitable groups

The Astros, for their part, plan to give Gurriel’s salary from the five-game suspension to charitable institutions.

During their meeting, Manfred said Gurriel told him that he will make a private apology to Darvish. After the suspension was announced, Gurriel issued a statement expressing regret for his action and apologized to Darvish, the Astros and Dodgers organizations and to the fans. From 2001 to 2016, the 33-year-old Gurriel played 15 seasons in the Cuban National Series and Japan Central League before signing a five-year deal with the Astros in July 2016. Last season, he played in 36 games and 139 games this season, hitting 18 home runs.

Darvish issues statement on Twitter

Earlier, Darvish issued a statement on Twitter regarding Gurriel's racist gesture, saying “no one is perfect.” Darvish also encouraged everyone to put our effort into learning rather than accuse Gurriel.

Darvish (0-1) took the loss in Game 3 after giving up four runs on six hits with a walk and no strikeouts in 1 2/3 frames for the Dodgers, who took Game 1 with a 3-1 win behind Clayton Kershaw. The win gave the Astros a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven World Series. Lance McCullers Jr. (1-0) earned the win for the Astros after pitching 5 1/3 strong innings where he yielded three runs on four hits with four walks and three strikeouts. Brad Peacock tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings to earn the save. The Dodgers and the Astros will play Game 4 later Sunday.