With Yuli Gurriel’s season debut yesterday against the Astros became the 33rd Cuban to see action on the season tying a record set in 2020. On the day Gurriel went 1-for-3 with a run batted in during Kansas City’s 7-2 loss to Houston.
The slugger returns to the big show after spending last season with Miami Marlins hitting .245 with four homers and 27 RBIs in primarily a reserve role with the Floridian squad. If Gurriel hits two more longballs he will reach 100 for his major league career.
In total the native of Sancti Spíritus, Cuba has seen action not only in MLB, but also NPB and other international tournaments such as the WBC, Premier 12 and Serie del Caribe. The infielder was the a very sought after prospect since he debut on the world stage with Cuba during the 2006 Classic.
Over his nine-year career on the grand stage he hits .281 with 98 homeruns, 463 runs batted in and slashes. 326/.440/.726. Gurriel looks to be a veteran presence to augment a Royals team looking to make the playoffs.
Cuban that have seen action on the season:
- Adrián Morejón LHP (SD)
- Dairon Blanco OF (KC)
- Yuli Gurriel IF-DH (KC)
- Jorge Soler OF (SF)
- Nestor Cortés LHP (NYY)
- Raisel Iglesias RHP (ATL)
- Daysbel Hernández RHP (ATL)
- Julio Pablo Martínez OF (ATL)
- Yennier Cano RHP (BAL)
- Cionel Pérez LHP (BAL)
- Yoan Moncada 3B (CHW)
- Luis Robert Jr OF (CHW)
- Oscar Colás OF (CHW)
- Brayan Ramos IF (CHW)
- Andy Ibáñez IF (DET)
- José Abreu 1B (HOU)
- Yordan Álvarez OF-DH (HOU)
- Pedro León (HOU)
- Yariel Rodríguez RHP (TOR)
- Aroldis Chapman LHP (PIT)
- Yasmani Grandal C (PIT)
- Yandy Díaz 1B (TAM)
- Randy Arozarena OF (TAM)
- Adolis García OF (TEX)
- Andy Pagés OF (LAD)
- Miguel Vargas (LAD)
- Vladimir Gutierrez RHP (MIA)
- Aledmys Díaz IF-OF (OAK-HOU)
- José Iglesias IF (NYM)
- Yosver Zulueta RHP (CIN)
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr OF (ARI)
- Victor Mederos RHP (LAA)
- Orlando Ribalta RHP (WAS)