Yuli Gurriel learned his fate on Saturday afternoon. It was both expected and entirely shocking. The Houston Astros' first baseman will be suspended for what occurred during Game 3 of the World Series. He will not serve that suspension this season, however, drawing a range of reactions on social media. Gurriel is unlikely to appeal his punishment, which also includes a few other disciplinary measures. He'll definitely face boos if the series goes back to Los Angeles, though, and might even face that in Houston on Saturday and Sunday.
Gurriel faces the music
The discipline was the result of a low moment of Friday night's contest, meaning the punishment came down swiftly. After hitting a home run, cameras caught Gurirel making a gesture on the bench that could easily be interpreted as mocking Asians; his home run came off of Japanese star Yu Darvish. After the game, Gurriel -- who is from Cuba -- was apologetic, although also not entirely understanding of what he did.
Yuli Gurriel facing possible suspension for getting racist about Yu Darvish: https://t.co/LhoYiz2F8T pic.twitter.com/Y3WcYbYSZP
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) October 28, 2017
Meanwhile, Darvish was slightly bitter at first, but accepting of Gurriel's apology shortly after the game ended.
His ultimate penalty is a five-game suspension without pay at the start of the 2018 season, as well as sensitivity training. He has again apologized for his actions, with the Astros' general manager expressing how disappointed he was with his player. The team wasn't disappointed enough to bench him, though, placing Gurriel fifth in the batting order for Saturday night's Game 4.
Rationale behind Gurriel discipline
After the discipline was revealed, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred discussed how the penalty came about. One reason it was postponed until the regular season was that postseason suspensions don't result in a forfeiture of pay. Another was to allow Gurriel to appeal, even though there is no expectation that one will be filed.
Manfred also didn't want to be unfair to the rest of the Astros, although that doesn't seem like a satisfactory reason behind the decision.
It's possible -- even probable -- that Gurriel's actions on Friday night were the result of a cultural barrier he has not yet overcome, but that doesn't excuse the action. A more suitable penalty would've been a one-game suspension in the World Series, followed by a four or five-game suspension in the next regular season. Fair or unfair to the Astros, actions need to have consequences, regardless of when they occur during the season.
