New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres was notably absent from the starting lineup on Wednesday. This decision followed a disappointing performance in a crucial moment during the previous game, prompting manager Aaron Boone to take action.
Boone's choice to bench Torres was underscored by his decision to rely on Oswaldo Cabrera to cover second base as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets. Torres has been struggling this season, currently posting a batting average of .215/.294/.333 with only seven home runs over 80 games. These numbers represent a stark decline from his career OPS+ of 114 entering 2024 to his current OPS+ of 78.
A Troubling Two-Week Stretch
Torres’s recent form has been a particular point of concern. Over the past two weeks, his performance has dwindled to a slash line of .108/.222/.324. This drop in productivity has not gone unnoticed by both the coaching staff and the fans. In addressing these struggles, Torres mentioned that groin discomfort contributed to his lack of hustle.
Boone's Perspective
Manager Aaron Boone elaborated on his decision to give Torres some time off. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone stated, implying that the benching is more a strategic reset than a punitive measure. "He might get a couple days to reset... mentally, physically," Boone explained. The manager underscored the importance of Torres in the Yankees' lineup, adding, "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 sentiments reflect a blend of frustration and optimism. He remains aware of Torres's potential impact when he's at his best, which is why giving him a mental and physical break could be beneficial in the long run. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone concluded, hinting that this could be a temporary step back to facilitate a stronger comeback.
The Yankees' Current Challenges
The Yankees are presently grappling with several challenges. Despite standing at an impressive 52-29, they hold only a slim two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the highly competitive American League East. Recent performances have been less than stellar, with the team losing five of their last six and seven of their last nine games. Key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton have also been sidelined due to injuries, exacerbating the team's struggles.
The Yankees' recent slump has contrasted sharply with the recent form of their crosstown rivals, the Mets. The Mets have been nearly unstoppable, boasting MLB's best record in June with a 14-6 tally.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees’ immediate task is to weather this rough patch while key players recover and others, like Torres, hopefully return to form. Torres's response to this period of rest and reset will be critical. As Boone emphasized, the team needs him fully engaged and performing to his potential, especially during this challenging stretch.