Yankees Bench Gleyber Torres Amid Hitting Struggles
The New York Yankees made a notable adjustment to their lineup on Wednesday, opting to sit second baseman Gleyber Torres. This decision came on the heels of a difficult performance from Torres during a critical moment in the previous game. Seeking to inject some vitality into the lineup, Manager Aaron Boone chose to start Oswaldo Cabrera at second base as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets.
Torres's batting statistics have been less than impressive this season. With a current stat line of .215/.294/.333 and only seven home runs across 80 games, his offensive contributions have been significantly below expectations. This translates to an OPS+ of just 78, a substantial decline from his career OPS+ of 114 heading into 2024. Over the past two weeks, his struggles have intensified, producing a mere .108/.222/.324 slash line.
When questioned about the decision, Boone shared his thoughts on the situation, stating, "Nothing that's too significant." Boone elaborated by saying, "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 further noted, "I just feel like he needs it."
Adding to his woes, Torres mentioned that his lack of hustle could be partly attributed to groin discomfort. However, the Yankees cannot afford to overlook his struggles during this critical juncture of the season. The team is currently standing at 52-29, but they have faced significant challenges recently, losing five of their last six and seven of their last nine games. Despite holding a slim two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East, the Yankees are keenly aware that their position is far from secure.
The injuries plaguing key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton have only compounded the team's difficulties. The absence of such pivotal figures has made Torres's underperformance more noticeable and concerning for the Yankees' overall stability and performance.
In stark contrast, the New York Mets have been on a dominant run, boasting MLB's best record in June at 14-6. This upsurge in performance adds another layer of urgency for the Yankees to find their groove and avoid falling behind in a fiercely competitive league.
Boone's decision to bench Torres is more than a mere adjustment; it serves as a wake-up call not only for Torres but also for the entire roster. It highlights the expectations and pressures that come with being a New York Yankee, where every player's contribution is vital to the team's success.
Ultimately, Boone's approach to managing his roster during these challenging times underscores his understanding of the mental and physical demands of the sport. By resting key players like Torres, Boone aims to reignite their performance, ensuring they are primed for the intense battles ahead. "We need him to go. We need him to get going, especially through this stretch."
The Yankees' upcoming fixtures will undoubtedly test their resilience and adaptability, both inherent qualities needed to sustain their lead in the American League East. Whether Torres can regain his form and become the powerhouse the Yankees need remains to be seen, but for now, all eyes will be on Boone's strategic decisions and how they influence the outcome of the season.