WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Knowing the preseason would be cut short this year, Cuban Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel ditched pizza, soda and other unhealthy habits so he didn’t have to worry about getting fit in March. . He’s dropped 15 pounds and in his first games of the spring, it’s been apparent that the effort has paid off.
Gurriel hit a grand slam in the fifth inning of Thursday’s game, which the Astros won 10-8 over the Nationals. He hit a blast against the Cardinals in his first preseason game Wednesday against the Cardinals.
“I feel fine,” he said. “I knew it would be a shortened practice session this year, so I wanted to come in better physical shape to have that advantage.”
Gurriel worked out this offseason with his brother, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., an outfielder for the Blue Jays. Their father, Cuban baseball legend Lourder Gurriel Sr., was in the stands for Thursday’s matchup.
“I worked with my brother in the offseason. I tried to get to a form close to the games, to be ready when I arrive,” said Yuli. “If I don’t play well, I can’t sleep well at night.”
Gurriel, 37, found the fountain of youth last year, winning his first batting title with a .319 average – and also winning his first Gold Glove for his defense of first base. The Cuban will be a free agent at the end of this season, but he said he wants to negotiate an extension to stay in Houston.
“I know it’s my last year here and it’s harder for older players to get contracts. But I came in better shape than I was before,” he noted. “I cared about myself and took care of my body and my family. Like healthier. I live for baseball, so I’m going to do my best to stick around for as long as possible.”
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Yuli Gurriel traded pizza for home runs