MLB Postseason 2022 | Gurriel offensive continues, Lourdes had surgery, and more

Daily Major League Baseball (MLB) Cuban Players News for the 2022 Postseason. A compendium from several MLB sources

Yulieski Gurriel. (Photo: Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle)

Oct 20, 2022

Yulieski Gurriel's ruthless offensive continues.

The Houston Astros are two wins away from their fourth American League pennant in the last six years. Thursday night, the Astros hung on to beat the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the ALCS HOU 3, NYY 2. In the game, Yuli Gurriel continued his torrid offensive and went 2-for-3. He struggled pretty badly during the regular season, but the 38-year-old has been the Astros' most reliable hitter in the playoffs thus far. After Game 2 Gurriel is slashing .409/.409/.682 this postseason with 2 HR, and 2 RBI.

Yordan Álvarez hit third and DH in Game 2 of the ALCS on Thursday night against the Yankees.

It was the same batting lineup that the Astros used in their Game 1 win on Wednesday, but Álvarez was a DH this time around with Aledmys Díaz patrolling left field. In the game, Álvarez went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts and three runners left on base. Aledmys was 0-for-3 with a strikeout, four left on base and the backup outfielder is 1-for-14 this 2022 postseason, including 0-for-7 against the Yankees. He isn't expected to play left field at Yankee Stadium in Game 3 of the series Saturday night.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. underwent surgery on his left wrist.

The surgery took place on Thursday with Dr. Graham in Ohio. The outfielder dealt with wrist issues apparently throughout the season, and it was determined that he should undergo the procedure instead of more rehabilitation. Gurriel is expected to be back for the start of spring training. Gurriel, 29, is coming off a 2022 season in which he slashed .291/.343/.400 (113 OPS+) in 121 games. While the overall level of production was close to his career norms, Gurriel's power numbers took a hit. Most notably, Gurriel's home run total fell from 21 in 141 games in 2021 to five this season. Those aforementioned wrist problems very likely had something to do with that loss of pop. Barring setback, Gurriel should be primed to put up customary power numbers in 2022. Gurriel, who's not eligible for free agency until after the 2024 season, remains an important part of the Toronto core that led the team to its second consecutive postseason berth this year. Gurriel has been a part of the Blue Jays organization since he signed with them as an amateur free agent out of Cuba in 2016.