The prominent Cuban baseball player Yulieski Gurriel, engaged in his struggle to remain in Major League Baseball at the age of 40, recalled in a social media interview the pitcher who posed the greatest challenge to him during his career in Cuba: Pedro Luis Lazo, a mound legend and symbol of Pinar del Río.
"In Cuba, a few made me feel uncomfortable, but Lazo... he drove me crazy. He threw one at my head, then another into the air, and then once more hard, again at my head. And he would laugh!" the former player of Industriales and Sancti Spíritus recounted with laughter, fondly recalling the unpredictable nature of the Pinar del Río pitcher.
In statements to Swing Completo, Gurriel admitted that he only managed to hit a home run against him in his last year facing him, and that after the hit, Lazo waited for him at home plate to shake his hand.
"Can you believe it? He went home, waited for me, and shook my hand. 'Hey, you almost didn't catch me!' [The pitcher said]. He is one of the best pitchers Cuba has ever had, so for me it was an honor that he was one of the most challenging," he stated.
In search of a second chance in MLB
While reminiscing about old memories of Cuban baseball, Gurriel does not stop looking towards the future. He was recently placed on waivers by the San Diego Padres, and after not being claimed by any franchise, he decided to declare himself a free agent.
Far from giving up, the resident of Sancti Spíritus has started training as a left fielder, aiming to provide greater defensive versatility and attract the attention of an MLB organization looking for depth in its roster.
During his brief stint in San Diego, Yuli barely connected for 4 hits in 36 at-bats, with a low average of .111, without any home runs or RBIs. Nevertheless, his record in the Major Leagues— which includes two World Series titles with the Houston Astros, a Gold Glove, and over 900 hits since his debut in 2016—remains a strong calling card.
Withdrawal at sight?
Although his recent performance raises questions, several sources have indicated that MLB teams still value his experience, especially as a bench player. If he does not secure a contract in the coming days, he may consider exploring options in foreign leagues or even contemplate retirement.
In any case, Yuli Gurriel has already secured his place among the greats of Cuban baseball, both for his achievements on the field and for unforgettable memories such as his showdown with the legendary Pedro Luis Lazo.
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