Yankees Bench Torres Amid Struggles and Injury Concerns
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a notable decision ahead of Wednesday's game against the New York Mets by benching second baseman Gleyber Torres. The 27-year-old infielder was kept out of the lineup after a critical lack of hustle on a late-inning ground ball in the day prior's matchup. In Torres' stead, the versatile Oswaldo Cabrera took up responsibilities at second base.
Torres' recent performance has painted a troubling picture for the Yankees. For the 2024 season, he's slashing an underwhelming .215/.294/.333 with just seven home runs across 80 games, translating to an OPS+ of 78. This marks a significant dip from his career OPS+ of 114 prior to the season. Amplifying concerns, Torres has notably struggled in the last two weeks, batting a mere .108/.222/.324.
The incident prompting Boone's decision—a failure to sprint out a ground ball—has been attributed by Torres to groin discomfort. "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, emphasizing the critical need for Torres to find his form amid a demanding schedule.
The Yankees are currently navigating the season without key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, placing even more pressure on Torres and others to step up. Despite holding a commendable 52-29 record and maintaining a two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East race, the Yankees have been struggling recently, dropping five of their last six games and seven of their last nine.
Adding to the urgency is the New York Mets' impressive form. The Mets boast the best record in Major League Baseball for June, coming in at 14-6. This formidability adds weight to every decision Boone makes, as the Yankees cannot afford to let their performance slip in the face of such competition.
Ensuring Torres' health and reigniting his bat are paramount if the Yankees aspire to remain atop their division and push deep into the playoffs. The ongoing absence of Rizzo and Stanton only heightens the necessity for dependable contributions from players like Torres—contributions that have been lacking as of late.
As the season teeters at a critical juncture, Boone's move to bench Torres could be viewed as a wake-up call—not just for Torres, but for the entire Yankees roster. It underscores an element of accountability within the team, irrespective of past performance or potential future contributions. Success in Major League Baseball hinges on every player executing their role, a standard Boone appears keen to maintain even under mounting pressure.
Ultimately, the Yankees' ambitions this season hinge on several variables, with Torres' performance being a key factor. Whether this tactical benching will spark a resurgence in Torres or underscore a deeper issue remains to be seen. Fans, teammates, and the franchise alike are hopeful that Torres can overcome his struggles and discomfort, returning to the form that has made him a vital presence in New York's lineup over the years. For now, the Yankees must lean on their depth and adaptability as they navigate one of the most pressing stretches of their schedule.