Yuli Gurriel Shares His Toughest Pitcher Encounter in Cuba: "He Drove Me Crazy"

Renowned Cuban baseball player Yulieski Gurriel, who is striving to stay in Major League Baseball at 40, recently reflected on a challenging opponent from his days in Cuba. In a social media interview, Gurriel revealed that the pitcher who gave him the most trouble was none other than Pedro Luis Lazo, an iconic figure from Pinar del Río. "In Cuba, a few made me uncomfortable, but Lazo... he drove me crazy. He would throw one at my head, then another high, and then another fast one, again at my head. And he would laugh!" Gurriel recounted with a chuckle, remembering the unpredictable nature of the Pinar del Río legend.

During a conversation with Swing Completo, Gurriel shared that he managed to hit a home run off Lazo only in their last encounter, and after the hit, Lazo waited at home plate to shake his hand. "You know he's crazy when he waits at home to shake your hand. 'Hey, you almost didn't catch me!' [he said]. He's one of the best pitchers Cuba has ever had, so it was an honor that he was one of the toughest for me," Gurriel affirmed.

Chasing Another MLB Opportunity

While fondly reminiscing about Cuban baseball, Gurriel remains focused on what's ahead. After being placed on waivers by the San Diego Padres and not being picked up by any team, he chose to become a free agent. Not giving up, the player from Sancti Spíritus has started training as a left fielder, aiming to enhance his defensive versatility and catch the eye of an MLB team seeking depth in its roster.

During his short stint with San Diego, Yuli had only 4 hits in 36 at-bats, posting a low .111 average, without any home runs or RBIs. Nevertheless, his MLB track record — featuring two World Series titles with the Houston Astros, a Gold Glove, and over 900 hits since his debut in 2016 — remains an impressive credential.

Is Retirement on the Horizon?

Despite recent performance concerns, sources suggest that MLB teams still value Gurriel's experience, particularly as a bench player. If he doesn't secure a contract soon, he may explore opportunities in foreign leagues or consider retirement altogether.

Regardless of his future path, Yuli Gurriel has already cemented his legacy among Cuban baseball's greats, thanks to both his on-field achievements and unforgettable memories like his encounters with the legendary Pedro Luis Lazo.