Yankees Bench Gleyber Torres Amid Slump
The New York Yankees made a significant lineup change for Wednesday’s game against the Mets, benching second baseman Gleyber Torres. Manager Aaron Boone's decision comes on the heels of a disappointing performance from Torres, where he failed to run out a crucial late-inning ground ball, citing groin discomfort as the reason.
Torres, 27, has not been delivering at the level expected from a player of his caliber. His season statistics paint a concerning picture: batting .215/.294/.333 with seven home runs through 80 games, translating to an OPS+ of just 78. This is a stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114 coming into the season. Over the past two weeks, Torres’s struggles have deepened, managing a mere .108/.222/.324 slash line.
To fill the void left by Torres, Oswaldo Cabrera was slotted into the second baseman's role. The Yankees, however, are feeling the pinch from the absence of other key players, including Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, making every lineup decision critical during this tough period.
Boone emphasized the need for Torres to step up, especially given the Yankees' current situation. "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 commented, highlighting both the urgency and importance of Torres's contribution to the team's success.
Despite their strong record of 52-29, the Yankees are navigating a rough patch, having lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine. This slump has narrowed their lead in the AL East race to just two games over the Orioles. The stress is compounded by the success of their cross-town rivals, the Mets, who boast the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6.
The Yankees' pressing schedule only intensifies the need to ensure Torres’s health and to reignite his performance at the plate. His groin discomfort is an added concern, and managing his fitness will be critical as the Yankees pursue their aspirations for the season.
Boone’s decision to bench Torres, while perhaps controversial, could be a strategic move to both give the player time to recover and send a message about the required standard of hustle and performance. The next few games will be crucial not just for the Yankees’ standings but also for Torres’s role and impact on the team.
As the Yankees fight to maintain their lead in the division and stabilize their performance, the contributions from players like Torres will be indispensable. The team needs all hands on deck, firing on all cylinders, to navigate this challenging stretch and keep their postseason ambitions on track.