The New York Yankees made a significant lineup change on Wednesday as second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself out of the starting rotation. This decision followed an underwhelming performance during a critical moment in the previous game.
Manager Aaron Boone decided to bench Torres, opting instead for Oswaldo Cabrera to cover second base as the Yankees closed out their two-game series against city rivals, the New York Mets.
Struggling at the Plate
Gleyber Torres's stats this season underscore the reason behind the decision. Currently, he's hitting a meager .215/.294/.333 with only seven home runs over 80 games. For a player who entered 2024 with a career OPS+ of 114, his current OPS+ of 78 represents a significant decline.
His recent performance has been particularly troubling. Over the past two weeks, Torres has managed only a .108/.222/.324 slash line, further highlighting his struggles at the plate.
Manager's Perspective
Aaron Boone addressed the situation, downplaying the severity but acknowledging the need for Torres to regroup. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone commented when discussing Torres's performance. He added, "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically."
Boone emphasized the importance of Torres to the team, especially in light of their recent struggles. "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," the manager explained.
"I just feel like he needs it," Boone concluded, signaling that the benching was more about giving Torres a chance to recover and regain his form.
Yankees' Current Situation
The Yankees currently stand at 52-29 but have hit a rough patch, losing five of their last six and seven of their last nine games. Despite holding a slim two-game lead over the Orioles in the American League East, the recent injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton have added to the team's challenges.
As the Yankees deal with these internal issues, their crosstown rivals, the Mets, have been thriving. The Mets boast MLB's best record in June at 14-6, adding pressure on the Yankees to step up their game.
Gleyber Torres himself attributed his lack of hustle to groin discomfort, which could be a factor in his recent dip in form. With Boone opting to give Torres some time off, the hope is that he will return refreshed and ready to contribute significantly to the team's efforts down the stretch.
As the Yankees navigate this turbulent period, the performance of replacement players like Oswaldo Cabrera will be critical. Cabrera, stepping in for Torres, will need to deliver to help stabilize the team's performance.
Aaron Boone's strategic decisions in the coming weeks will be essential as the Yankees aim to hold onto their lead in the division and make a strong push for the postseason. The pressure is on, and the next few games will be crucial in determining whether the Yankees can maintain their status as playoff contenders.