Astros First Baseman Receives Injury Diagnosis

Earlier today, Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel was removed from the World Series roster after a knee injury and a shot to the head from Rhys Hoskins' knee in Game 5.

Now, Gurriel has been diagnosed with a sprained right MCL. The injury was suffered in a rundown in Game 5. 

One has to feel bad for him as Gurriel was clearly emotional announcing the news to the media on Saturday.

#Astros 1B Yuli Gurriel on Houston: “This city…is like home. I can’t go back to Cuba, most of the Cuban population here lives in Miami…but Houston for me has been a second home. From when I arrived, I felt the admiration from the fans, the support…I feel like I’m home.” pic.twitter.com/4FnGQgpn9b

— Daniel Gotera (@DTGoteraKHOU) October 27, 2022

The Astros have yet to say anything about his availability for next season, and a thirty-eight-year-old impending free agent, also coming off a down season, isn't guaranteed to continue playing. However, the veteran should have more than enough time to return to full health by 2023 Opening Day.

Gurriel slashed .242/.288/.360 this past season, with eight home runs, 53 RBIs, eight stolen bases and 53 runs scored over 146 games. The eight stolen bases were a career-high for Gurriel, an impressive feat for a thirty-eight-year-old who had totaled just six stolen bases combined over the last three seasons prior. 

It remains to be seen if the Astros will bring the veteran back for the 2023 season.

Photo Credit:  John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports