In an unexpected move, New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself on the bench for Wednesday's game against the New York Mets. This decision by Manager Aaron Boone follows a disappointing performance by Torres during a crucial moment in the previous game.
The Yankees, currently holding a slim two-game lead over the Orioles in the American League East, have been grappling with injuries to key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton. Despite boasting a strong record of 52-29, the team has hit a rough patch, losing five of their last six and seven of their last nine games. In light of these challenges, Boone opted to lean on Oswaldo Cabrera to fill in at second base as they concluded their two-game series with the Mets.
Struggles at the Plate
Torres's performance at the plate has been troubling. Currently batting a meager .215/.294/.333, he has managed just seven home runs over 80 games—a steep decline from his career OPS+ of 114 entering the 2024 season. His current OPS+ of 78 is a glaring indicator of his struggles.
Over the past two weeks, Torres’s form has deteriorated further, with a slash line of .108/.222/.324. Such numbers have made it difficult for the Yankees, who are in a fierce battle to maintain their lead in the division.
Injury and Management Decisions
Boone noted the need to give Torres time to "reset... mentally, physically," emphasizing that Torres's absence from the lineup is not due to a severe injury. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone remarked. However, Torres has attributed his lack of hustle to discomfort in his groin, which could explain his need for rest.
Boone has stressed the importance of getting Torres back to his best: "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." It's evident that Boone believes this reset is necessary for Torres to regain his form and contribute effectively to the team moving forward.
Looking Ahead
With 80 games behind them, the Yankees are aware that a mid-season slump can have significant implications for their playoff aspirations. The benching of Torres signals a strategic move, aiming to rejuvenate one of their key players during a critical period. Meanwhile, their rivals, the Mets, have been dominant, boasting MLB's best record in June at 14-6.
The pressure is on the Yankees to regroup and find solutions within their roster. The return of Rizzo and Stanton can't come soon enough, but in the meantime, the Yankees will need contributions from every corner of the clubhouse. The decision to rest Torres and give Cabrera the nod is one step in that direction, with Boone hopeful that this period of reset will pay dividends in the long run.
As the Yankees navigate the challenges of a grueling season, all eyes will be on how they manage their roster and whether they can keep their lead in an intensely competitive division. For Gleyber Torres, this time on the bench could be the turning point he needs to rediscover his best form and become the presence Boone so desperately needs in the lineup.