Astros infielder Guriel suspended five games in 2018 for racist gesture

HOUSTON Yuli Gurriel will have to sit out for making a racist gesture toward Yu Darvish — but not during the World Series.

Major League Baseball suspended the Houston Astros first baseman Saturday for the first five games next season. The punishment came a day after Gurriel’s actions toward the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher during Game 3.

“I understand that people may have different views,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “But it was my best judgment that this timing was appropriate.”

“I wanted the burden of this discipline to fall primarily on the wrongdoer,” he said.

The Cuban-born Gurriel pulled on the corners of his eyes after homering off Darvish during Houston’s 5-3 win Friday night. He also used a derogatory Spanish term in reference to Darvish, who was born in Japan.

“I made an offensive gesture that was indefensible,” Gurriel said in a statement released by the Astros. “I sincerely apologize to everyone that I offended with my actions. I deeply regret it.”

“I would particularly like to apologize to Yu Darvish, a pitcher that I admire and respect. I would also like to apologize to the Dodgers organization, the Astros, Major League Baseball and to all fans across the game,” he said.

Gurriel said Friday that he wanted to meet with Darvish to express his regret. Manfred said there would be a private apology.

Gurriel will lose $322,581 of his $12 million salary next year, which the Astros will donate to charitable causes. He also will be required to undergo sensitivity training during the offseason.