Gleyber Torres Benched Amid Struggles
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a significant decision ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the Mets, leaving second baseman Gleyber Torres out of the lineup. This decision follows Torres' failure to run out a crucial late-inning ground ball the previous day, a lapse he attributed to groin discomfort.
Taking over Torres' regular position at second base was Oswaldo Cabrera, as the Yankees sought to shake up their lineup during a challenging stretch. Torres, now 27, has been struggling mightily over the past few weeks, a downturn that is particularly concerning given the Yankees' current plight.
Offensive Woes
Torres's performance this season has been a considerable drop-off from his career norms. Through 80 games in 2024, he is batting just .215/.294/.333 with seven home runs, numbers that translate to an OPS+ of 78. This is a stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114 entering the season. The last two weeks have been especially tough for Torres, as he has slashed a dismal .108/.222/.324.
With key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton sidelined, the Yankees have been relying on contributions from their remaining starters, making Torres' slump even more impactful. Boone expressed the urgency of Torres rediscovering his form: "We need him to go. We need him to get going, especially through this stretch. ... We need him to be a presence in the middle of our lineup. We've got to get that out of him."
Yankees' Recent Struggles
The Yankees' current situation amplifies the need for players like Torres to step up. The team entered Wednesday's game with a strong record of 52-29 but has seen a worrying trend recently. They have lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine, putting a dent in their lead in the AL East. They currently hold a two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles.
The demanding schedule does not help matters, and the Yankees are looking for ways to navigate this tough period while waiting for their key players to return from the injured list.
Mets' Dominance in June
Adding to the Yankees' challenges is the performance of their cross-town rivals, the Mets, who have been the best team in Major League Baseball this June with a 14-6 record. This impressive form makes any slip-ups by the Yankees even more costly as the season progresses.
Path Forward
For the Yankees, ensuring Torres' health and helping him regain his batting form are critical to their aspirations this season. Boone and his staff will likely continue to look for opportunities to rest and manage their roster strategically, aiming to keep their team competitive while navigating through injuries and individual slumps.
The Yankees faithful will be hoping that Torres can overcome his current difficulties and become the offensive force that Boone knows he can be. His return to form could very well be the catalyst the Yankees need to solidify their position at the top of the AL East and make a deep postseason run.
With lots of baseball left to play, the pressure is on for both Torres and the Yankees to ride out this turbulent stretch and emerge stronger. As Boone emphasized, “We need him to be a presence in the middle of our lineup. We've got to get that out of him.”