New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself out of the starting lineup on Wednesday following a critical underperformance in a pivotal moment during the previous game. Manager Aaron Boone opted to bench Torres, placing Oswaldo Cabrera at second base as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Benching Torres is a decision rooted in his ongoing struggles at the plate. The 27-year-old infielder is currently batting .215/.294/.333, with only seven home runs over 80 games. This performance has been reflected in an OPS+ of 78, a marked decline from his career OPS+ of 114 entering the 2024 season. Over the past two weeks, Torres’s lackluster performance has been particularly glaring, as shown by his slash line of .108/.222/.324.
Acknowledging the situation, Torres attributed his recent lack of hustle to a groin discomfort, an issue that has likely hampered his ability to perform at his usual standard. Boone’s decision to rest Torres is intended to provide the struggling infielder with a necessary mental and physical reset. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone stated, emphasizing that this benching was not a drastic measure but a necessary one.
Boone elaborated on the reasoning behind his decision, noting, "He might get a couple days to reset... mentally, physically. 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 words underscore the critical role Torres plays in the Yankees' offensive strategy and the urgency of his return to form.
Yankees' Struggles and Injury Woes
The Yankees' current standing at 52-29 comes despite significant challenges and recent stumbles, notably losing five of their last six and seven of their last nine games. The team holds a slim two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East, a margin that offers them little comfort. Compounding their difficulties are injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, crucial elements of the Yankees' lineup.
Mets on the Rise
Adding to the Yankees' woes is the red-hot performance of the Mets, who boast MLB’s best record in June, going 14-6. The cross-town rivals' success heightens the pressure on the Yankees to find their stride as they battle through a particularly demanding stretch of the season.
Boone’s emphasis on the necessity for Torres to regain his form resonates deeply with the current state of the Yankees. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone remarked, shedding light on the empathetic yet firm approach taken towards nurturing Torres back to his best. The team's resolve to see their second baseman bounce back reflects the broader resilience they will need to maintain their top spot in the division despite recent setbacks.
As the Yankees navigate this rough patch, their focus remains on retrieving their lost momentum and overcoming the adversities posed by both internal and external challenges. Restoring Torres to his optimum performance level is integral to this endeavor, with Boone and the Yankees faithful alike hopeful that this temporary benching will serve as the catalyst Torres needs to reignite his season.