Gleyber Torres Benched Amid Struggles as Yankees Fight for AL East Lead
New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself absent from the starting lineup on Wednesday, a direct result of his recent struggles at the plate and a critical misstep in a crucial game moment. Manager Aaron Boone made the call to bench Torres and instead rely on Oswaldo Cabrera to take up the role at second base as the Yankees concluded their short two-game series against the New York Mets.
A Disappointing Season for Torres
Gleyber Torres has seen a significant drop in his performance this season, currently posting a batting line of .215/.294/.333 with just seven home runs over 80 games. This not only marks a sharp decline from his career OPS+ of 114 but also translates to an OPS+ of just 78 in 2024. Such numbers underscore why Boone decided that Torres needed some time off.
"He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone explained. "Nothing that's too significant." However, the urgency in Boone's voice was palpable, as he emphasized the necessity of getting Torres back on track. "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."
Recent Struggles
The past two weeks have been especially problematic for Torres, as he has managed a slash line of only .108/.222/.324 during this period. The second baseman attributed his lack of hustle to groin discomfort, which might partly explain the downturn in his performance.
Yankees' Challenges
The Yankees are currently contending with more than just Torres's struggles. The team holds a 52-29 record and a slim two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the highly competitive American League East. However, the Yankees have lost five of their last six games and seven out of their last nine, which has added pressure on Boone and the rest of the squad to turn things around quickly.
Injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton have compounded the team's challenges, making it even more crucial for remaining regulars like Torres to perform at their peak. The absence of these heavy hitters has left a significant void in the Yankees' lineup, placing more responsibility on the shoulders of other team members.
Opposite Fortunes for the Mets
As the Yankees grapple with their issues, their cross-town rivals, the New York Mets, have been on a roll. The Mets boast MLB's best record in June, going 14-6 during the month. Their strong performance has highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two New York teams, making the recent series even more significant for both sides.
Boone appears to be banking on Torres's ability to bounce back from this slump, firmly believing that the young star just needs a bit of time to reset. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone commented, expressing hope that the break will do Torres some good.
Looking Ahead
As the Yankees continue their season, they will need Torres to return to form to not only maintain but also extend their lead in the division. While Boone's decision to bench Torres may be seen as a temporary setback for the player, it could ultimately serve as the catalyst for his resurgence. The Yankees and their fans will be closely watching to see if this strategic pause pays off, particularly as the race for the playoffs heats up.
The next few games will be crucial for the Yankees as they strive to overcome recent adversity and injuries, and Gleyber Torres’s potential resurgence could be a storyline to watch. For now, Oswaldo Cabrera will fill in at second base, offering a fresh perspective and hopefully, a spark that can help lift the Yankees out of their current rut.