New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself out of the starting lineup on Wednesday after a lackluster performance during a crucial moment in the previous game. The decision by Yankees manager Aaron Boone to bench Torres reflects growing concerns about the player’s recent form and overall contribution.
Boone's Decision
Manager Aaron Boone opted to give Oswaldo Cabrera the start at second base as the Yankees wrapped up their two-game series against the New York Mets. "He might get a couple days to reset... mentally, physically," Boone explained. "I just feel like he needs it." This decision comes as no surprise given Torres's declining performance metrics.
Statistical Struggles
Currently, Torres is batting a mere .215/.294/.333, with just seven home runs over 80 games. His OPS+ stands at 78, a significant drop from his career OPS+ of 114 entering 2024. Over the past two weeks, Torres’s struggles have been even more pronounced, with a slash line of .108/.222/.324. Despite these numbers, Boone emphasized Torres’s importance 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."
Yankees’ Recent Performance
The Yankees have hit a rough patch, losing five of their last six games and seven of their last nine. Currently standing at 52-29, they hold a slim two-game lead over the Orioles in the American League East. This comes at a time when the team is dealing with injuries to critical players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, making Torres’s downturn in performance all the more concerning.
The Mets' Surge
To make matters even more challenging for the Yankees, their city rivals, the Mets, have been on a tear. With MLB's best record in June at 14-6, the Mets have surged forward, creating additional pressure for the Yankees to maintain their lead.
Looking Ahead
Torres attributed his lack of hustle to groin discomfort. While it’s unclear how long this has been affecting his performance, the severity does not seem to be too alarming. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone stated, indicating that Torres’s time away from the lineup might be brief.
The immediate goal for the Yankees is to help Torres regain his form and confidence. With pivotal games on the horizon, his return to peak performance could be critical for the team's stability and success in the coming weeks. Boone added, "We need him to be a presence in the middle of our lineup. We've got to get that out of him."
As the Yankees navigate this challenging period, all eyes will be on how well Torres can bounce back and contribute to the team's aspirations for the season.