Yuli banned but not for Fall Classic

YULI GURRIEL will not face any punishment in the World Series.

Major League Baseball decided on Saturday it would not suspend the Astros first baseman during the World Series for making a racist gesture. Instead he will serve a fivegame suspension next season.

Gurriel slanted his eyes back after hitting a home run off Dodgers pitcher Yu Darvish—who is Japanese— in the second inning of Game 3 on Friday. He also appeared to mouth a derogatory term for Asians in Spanish. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who spoke with Gurriel and Darvish, said he had four reasons for how he came to his decision:

Manfred wanted to make sure the suspension would cost Gurriel pay; he felt it would be “unfair” to the other 24 players on the Astros roster if Gurriel were suspended in the World Series; he was impressed in his conversation with Darvish and his willingness to move forward; finally, he also wanted to give Gurriel the opportunity to file a grievance. “There is no question that it is a difficult decision as to when the right timing was,” Manfred said. “I used my best judgment.”

In a statement, the Players’ Association said , Gurriel will not appeal the suspension. Gurriel, 33, is in his first full season in the majors and previously played for the Yokohama DeNA Baystars in the Japanese Central League in 2014. He apologized after the game and released another statement on Saturday.

“During last night’s game, I made an offensive gesture that was indefensible,” Gurriel said. “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 fans across the game.”

Gurriel went 0-for-3 in Saturday night’s 6-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Darvish called the incident “disrespectful,” but mostly took the high road. “What he had done today isn’t right, but I believe we should put our effort into learning rather than accuse him,” Darvish wrote on Twitter after the game. “If we can take something from this, that is a giant step for mankind. Since we are living in such a wonderful world, let’s stay positive and move forward instead of focusing on anger.”