New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself out of the starting lineup on Wednesday, a decision that underscores the challenges he has been facing this season. The move came after a lackluster performance during a crucial moment in the previous game, prompting Manager Aaron Boone to opt for a different strategy as his team wrapped up their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Torres, who has been struggling with his form, was benched in favor of Oswaldo Cabrera. Boone's decision comes at a critical juncture for the Yankees, who are contending with injuries to key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton. The team, holding a slim two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East, has lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine.
To say Torres has had a rough season would be an understatement. The second baseman is currently batting a disappointing .215/.294/.333 with just seven home runs over 80 games. This translates to an OPS+ of 78, a marked decline from his career OPS+ of 114 entering the 2024 season. Over the past two weeks, his performance has deteriorated further; he has posted a concerning slash line of .108/.222/.324.
Boone acknowledged the need for Torres to reset both mentally and physically during this challenging period. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone explained, adding that, "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."
Torres himself attributed his struggles to groin discomfort, which has impacted his hustle and overall performance. However, Boone reassured fans and media, stating, "Nothing that's too significant." The manager emphasized the importance of getting Torres back to his best as the Yankees navigate this particularly testing stretch of their season.
Meanwhile, the Mets have been enjoying a successful run, boasting Major League Baseball's best record in June with a 14-6 showing. For the Yankees, contending with crucial injuries and the recent slump in form has made Boone’s tactical management even more critical. As Boone put it, "I just feel like he needs it," underlining the importance of giving Torres the needed respite to regain his form.
As the Yankees continue their pursuit of postseason glory, the hope is that this brief stint on the bench will provide Torres with the necessary reboot. The team's current standing at 52-29 reflects their resilience, but maintaining their lead in the American League East will require all hands on deck, especially in the wake of recent setbacks.
For now, Oswaldo Cabrera’s performance in place of Torres will be under scrutiny, as Boone and the Yankees strive to find the right balance in their lineup. The goal remains clear: regaining momentum and securing a strong position as the playoffs approach. The Yankees' success this season will depend significantly on key players like Torres finding their form when it matters the most.