New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself out of the starting lineup on Wednesday, a decision stemming from a lackluster performance during a crucial moment in the previous game. The move came as the Yankees wrapped up their two-game series against their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, with Oswaldo Cabrera stepping in to fill the void at second base.
Torres's numbers this season have been underwhelming, batting a mere .215/.294/.333 with just seven home runs over 80 games. This translates to an OPS+ of 78, a stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114 entering 2024. The recent stretch has been particularly concerning for Torres, as evidenced by a slash line of .108/.222/.324 over the past two weeks. Manager Aaron Boone's decision to bench Torres appears to be driven by the need for a reset.
"He might get a couple days to reset... mentally, physically," Boone explained, emphasizing the importance of recharging both body and mind. Boone's comments highlight the critical phase the Yankees find themselves in. "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."
Despite Torres's recent struggles, his presence in the lineup is essential for the Yankees, especially as they navigate a raft of injuries to key players including Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton. Boone's remarks underscore the urgency of Torres returning to form, particularly given the team's precarious standing in the American League East. The Yankees currently hold a slim two-game lead over the Orioles with a record of 52-29.
Injuries are not the only concern for the Yankees; their recent performance has been less than stellar. They have lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine. The benching of Torres, it appears, was as much a strategic decision based on his recent form as it was a move made out of necessity due to injuries and overall team performance.
During a conversation with reporters, Boone downplayed the severity of Torres's groin discomfort, stating, "Nothing that's too significant." However, this discomfort was cited by Torres as a reason for his lack of hustle, a notable admission as the Yankees fight to maintain their lead.
The Mets, meanwhile, have been on a hot streak, boasting MLB's best record in June at 14-6. This surge in form only adds to the Yankees' challenges, who need every player at their best to fend off their in-city rivals and retain their leading position in the division.
While Boone's public statements appear to offer a mix of understanding and a clear call to action, there's a palpable sense of urgency for Torres to regain his form. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone stated, emphasizing the necessity of this reset period.
As the Yankees strive to regain their footing, much of their fate could hinge on how players like Torres respond to these moments of adversity. The benching might provide the spark he needs to turn his season around, but the clock is ticking, and the Yankees can't afford to wait too long for results. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, and the team's margin for error is paper-thin.