New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself out of the starting lineup on Wednesday, following a lackluster performance during a crucial moment in the previous game. Manager Aaron Boone decided to bench Torres, opting for Oswaldo Cabrera to fill the void at second base as the Yankees wrapped up their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Torres has been struggling mightily at the plate, currently batting .215/.294/.333, with just seven home runs over 80 games. This level of production reflects an OPS+ of 78, a striking decline from his career OPS+ of 114 entering the 2024 season. Over the last two weeks, his performance has been especially concerning, with a slash line of .108/.222/.324.
Boone explained his decision to give Torres a break, saying, "He might get a couple days to reset... mentally, physically." The manager added, "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."
As for the reason behind Torres's struggles, he has cited groin discomfort as a contributing factor to his lack of hustle. While Boone downplayed the severity, saying, "Nothing that's too significant," it's clear that both the physical and mental aspects of the game have taken their toll on the young second baseman. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone remarked, emphasizing the importance of this short break for Torres's overall well-being.
Yankees Facing Challenging Times
The Yankees are currently standing at 52-29, holding a slim two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East. Despite the strong overall record, the team has hit a rough patch, losing five of their last six and seven of their last nine games. Injuries have compounded their troubles, with key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton both sidelined.
In this context, Torres's dip in form is particularly ill-timed. The Yankees are relying on every available resource as they navigate this critical juncture of the season, and Torres's struggles add another layer of complexity to Boone's managerial challenges.
Mets on a Hot Streak
Compounding the Yankees' woes, their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, have been on a hot streak. They boast MLB's best record in June at 14-6, making the Yankees' recent performance all the more concerning. The stark contrast between the two teams' trajectories adds extra pressure on the Yankees to rediscover their winning form quickly.
Torres, once seen as a cornerstone of the Yankees' future, now faces a crucial period where he must prove his worth to the team. His break from the starting lineup may be a blessing in disguise, offering him the chance to reset and come back stronger. As Boone put it, "We need him to be a presence in the middle of our lineup. We've got to get that out of him."
The Yankees' journey through this challenging period will require collective resilience and individual turnarounds. Torres's return to form could be a pivotal piece of the puzzle as the team aims to solidify its standing in the fiercely competitive American League East.