Yankees' Gleyber Torres Benched: Boone Sends a Clear Message
The New York Yankees made a notable lineup change for Wednesday's game against the Mets, as manager Aaron Boone decided to bench second baseman Gleyber Torres. The decision comes on the heels of Torres failing to run out a crucial late-inning grounder in the previous game. Oswaldo Cabrera was called upon to fill Torres' usual position at second base.
Boone's choice underscores the growing frustration with Torres’ recent performance, both offensively and on the base paths. The 27-year-old has struggled notably in the past two weeks, slashing a meager .108/.222/.324. Torres openly attributed his lackluster effort to a lingering groin discomfort, but it wasn’t enough to sway Boone’s decision.
"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 remarked, clearly indicating the club's expectations for Torres despite his recent struggles.
Torres entered the 2024 season as a player to watch, given his career OPS+ of 114. However, his performance thus far has been underwhelming, with his current stats translating to an OPS+ of just 78. Through 80 games, he's batting .215/.294/.333 with seven home runs, numbers that fall well below the Yankees' standards for their pivotal second baseman.
The timing of Torres' slump is particularly concerning for the Yankees, who entered Wednesday's game with a 52-29 record, only two games ahead of the Orioles in the highly competitive AL East. The Yankees need their star players to step up, particularly with key contributors Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton sidelined due to injuries. The team's recent performance underscores the urgency; they've lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine.
The Yankees find themselves in a precarious position, balancing the challenge of reigniting Torres' bat while ensuring his health remains intact. The team's pressing schedule further complicates this task, as they can ill afford to drop games in a tight AL East race.
Adding to the challenge, the Yankees are facing the Mets, who boast the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6. Boone’s decision to bench Torres might be a calculated gamble in a bid to reset the player's mindset and performance. It also sends a stark message to the rest of the squad about the importance of effort and accountability.
For the Yankees, the stakes couldn’t be higher. They need contributions from everyone on the roster, and Torres has always been counted on to be a key presence in the lineup. His ability to rebound and deliver at the plate could significantly influence the Yankees' aspirations this season.
Ensuring Torres' health and maximizing his potential is paramount for Boone and the Yankees’ coaching staff. The hope is that a day off might serve as a catalyst for Torres to overcome his early-season woes and return to the form that once made him one of the most promising players on the roster.
The Yankees' immediate future hinges on their ability to navigate through these challenging times, and Torres' resurgence could be the linchpin to their success. Only time will tell if Boone’s bold decision pays off, but for now, the Yankees are making it clear: performance and effort are non-negotiable staples of their pursuit of excellence.