New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself out of the starting lineup on Wednesday following a lackluster performance in a crucial moment during the previous game. Manager Aaron Boone made the call to bench Torres, opting instead to give Oswaldo Cabrera the nod at second base as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Torres's Offensive Struggles
Torres's struggles at the plate have become a growing concern for the Yankees. He is currently hitting .215/.294/.333, with just seven home runs in 80 games. These numbers translate to an OPS+ of 78, a significant drop from his career OPS+ of 114 prior to the 2024 season. In the last two weeks, his performance has been particularly troubling, evidenced by a slash line of .108/.222/.324.
Boone's Decision
Manager Aaron Boone addressed the decision, emphasizing the need for a mental and physical reset for Torres. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone explained. The manager expressed the hope that this break would help Torres rediscover 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."
Torres's Health and Hustle
One factor cited by Torres for his recent lack of hustle was groin discomfort, an issue that may have contributed to his underwhelming performance. Despite this, Boone assured that the situation wasn’t too severe, stating, "Nothing that's too significant." However, the decision to bench Torres indicates that the team believes he needs some time to recuperate and bounce back. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone noted.
Yankees' Current State
The Yankees, who currently stand at 52-29, are clinging to a slim two-game lead over the Orioles in the fiercely competitive American League East. The team's recent performance has been shaky, with losses in five of their last six games and dropping seven of their last nine. Adding to their woes are key injuries to critical players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, further straining the lineup and testing the Yankees' depth.
Mets on the Rise
Adding to the Yankees' challenges, the Mets have been in formidable form, boasting MLB's best record in June at 14-6. This timing has made the Yankees' internal struggles and lineup adjustments even more significant as they battle to maintain their lead in the standings.
Conclusion
As the Yankees navigate this tumultuous period, the spotlight will remain on Torres and his ability to rebound after this brief hiatus. With Boone expressing confidence and the importance of Torres’s presence in the lineup, the coming days will be crucial for both the player and the team. With a demanding schedule ahead and the pressure mounting in the AL East race, the Yankees will need all hands on deck, and a rejuvenated Torres could be a pivotal factor in their quest for success.