New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself in an unfamiliar position on Wednesday, as he was notably absent from the starting lineup. This change followed a crucial moment in the previous game where Torres’s performance fell short of expectations.
Manager Aaron Boone made the decision to bench Torres in favor of Oswaldo Cabrera, who was tasked with filling the gap at second base as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets. This move came at a particularly challenging time for the Yankees, who are currently navigating a rough patch and dealing with injuries to key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton.
Struggles at the Plate
Torres’s current batting statistics are a cause for concern. He is hitting .215/.294/.333 and has managed just seven home runs over 80 games, translating to an OPS+ of 78. This represents a significant drop from his career OPS+ of 114 entering 2024. Over the past two weeks, his slump has deepened, indicated by a disappointing slash line of .108/.222/.324.
Gleyber Torres himself attributed part of his recent struggles to groin discomfort, which he noted has impacted his hustle on the field.
A Critical Decision
Manager Boone’s decision to bench Torres was driven by a need for both mental and physical reset for the player. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone said, suggesting that the benching was more a temporary measure to help Torres recharge. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone explained. Looking beyond the immediate games, Boone acknowledged the importance of Torres’s contributions to the team. "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."
Boone's comments highlight the balancing act of managing player performance and health, emphasizing the necessity of having a fully functional and contributing Torres as the Yankees face a highly competitive American League East. Currently sitting at a 52-29 record, the Yankees hold a slim two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles. However, the team’s recent trajectory has raised alarms, with five losses in their last six games and seven in their last nine.
Stiff Competition
Adding to the Yankees' challenges, their crosstown rivals, the Mets, have been on an exceptional run. With the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6, the Mets have proven to be formidable opponents, further underscoring the urgency for the Yankees to regain their form.
While Boone’s handling of Torres might be viewed under the microscope, it underscores a focused approach to not just immediate remedies but long-term strategies as well. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone commented, pointing to the larger picture of ensuring a revitalized and effective middle infield.
As the Yankees continue to navigate these turbulent waters, the expectations resting on Gleyber Torres are considerable. His ability to overcome this slump and return to his prior form will be pivotal for New York’s aspirations this season. For now, the spotlight shifts to Oswaldo Cabrera and the rest of the roster as they step up to maintain the team's standing until Torres can once again be the force in the lineup that the Yankees have historically relied upon.