New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself out of the starting lineup on Wednesday following a lackluster performance during a crucial moment in the previous game. Manager Aaron Boone made the decision to bench Torres, opting to lean on Oswaldo Cabrera to fill the void at second base as the Yankees wrapped up their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Torres has had a challenging season so far, and his performance metrics reflect his struggles. He is currently batting .215/.294/.333 with just seven home runs over 80 games. This underperformance has resulted in an OPS+ of 78, a significant drop compared to his career OPS+ of 114 entering the 2024 season. Particularly concerning is his performance over the past two weeks, where he has managed a slash line of just .108/.222/.324.
When questioned about Torres's recent benching, Boone explained, "Nothing that's too significant." He elaborated further by stating, "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically." Boone emphasized the necessity of getting Torres back on track, highlighting the importance of his contribution to the team. "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 said. "I just feel like he needs it," he added.
Torres himself attributed his lackluster hustle to groin discomfort, which could partly explain his recent decline in performance. However, the Yankees find themselves at a critical juncture in the season, where every game is pivotal. They currently hold a 52-29 record, maintaining a slim two-game lead over the Orioles in the fiercely competitive American League East.
The team's recent form has been less than ideal, having lost five out of their last six games and seven of their last nine. This rough patch is compounded by injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, whose absences are deeply felt in the lineup. The Yankees are navigating a trying period, and getting their roster healthy and performing is paramount for maintaining their divisional lead.
On the other side of town, the Mets have been on a tear, boasting MLB's best record in June at 14-6. This surge adds an extra layer of pressure on the Yankees to perform, especially in the high-stakes environment of an intercity series. The decision to bench Torres underscores a broader strategy by Boone to ensure his lineup is optimized and functioning at its peak, particularly as they face these key matchups.
As the Yankees aim to get back on track, the hope is that Torres can use this break to recover, both mentally and physically. Boone's decision is a clear message: performance is paramount, and every player must contribute. The remainder of the season will undoubtedly be a test of resilience and adaptability for the Yankees, and key players like Gleyber Torres will need to rise to the occasion.