Yuli Gurriel Receives Warm Welcome from Houston Fans During Padres Series

HOUSTON, Texas — Yuli Gurriel was met with thunderous applause Friday night as he took to the field for the San Diego Padres in a game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. The Cuban slugger, who previously helped lead the Astros to a World Series championship in 2017, received heartfelt cheers from local fans who appreciated his impressive tenure with the team.

At 41, Gurriel’s career has been one of resilience and skill. He entered Major League Baseball (MLB) at age 32 and proved his worth during seven seasons with the Astros, boasting a batting average of .319 and winning a Gold Glove award in 2021. However, after parting ways with Houston, he signed with San Diego during the offseason, eager to continue his legacy.

On Friday night, Gurriel’s presence ignited nostalgia among Houston fans, many of whom shouted his name and clamored for autographs and photos. This reaction was indicative of the indelible mark he left on the franchise. Gurriel was the first baseman to make the final out of the 2017 World Series, solidifying his place in Astros history.

Despite the warm welcome, Padres manager Mike Shildt did not include Gurriel in the starting lineup for the series opener against the Astros. Instead, he opted for Venezuelan Luis Arráez at first base and left-handed hitter Gavin Sheets as the designated hitter. However, Gurriel remains poised to make an impact if called upon later in the game.

Gurriel joined the Padres in mid-February under a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training and earned a spot on the 26-man roster. With the Padres leading the National League West with a record of 15-4, Gurriel hopes to contribute to a team with serious postseason aspirations.

Meanwhile, Jose Altuve, another former Astros star, is the only player on the team hitting above .300 this season, striving to ignite a struggling lineup. The Astros are currently at the bottom of the American League West standings with only eight wins in their first 18 games.

The 2025 season has posed challenges for Houston, but Altuve remains a beacon of hope, demonstrating his speed and skills at the plate, while Gurriel’s return to MLB fuels both fan support and expectations.