In a surprising decision on Wednesday, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone left second baseman Gleyber Torres out of the lineup in their game against the Mets. This move came just a day after Torres failed to run out a key ground ball in a late-inning situation, raising questions about his current form and fitness.
Performance and Recent Struggles
Gleyber Torres, 27, has had a challenging season so far in 2024. Batting .215/.294/.333 with seven home runs in 80 games, his performance is notably below his career OPS+ of 114, coming into the season. This year, his numbers translate to an OPS+ of 78, indicating a significant drop in his productivity at the plate.
The recent two-week stretch has been particularly difficult for Torres, slashing just .108/.222/.324. His struggles culminated in failing to run out the critical ground ball, which he later attributed to groin discomfort. This explanation, however, didn’t spare him from being sidelined for the game against the Mets, as Boone stressed the need for better performance from the second baseman.
Lineup Changes and Challenges
In Torres' absence, Oswaldo Cabrera filled the second baseman role. The Yankees are already grappling with the absence of key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, further intensifying the importance of contributions from players such as Torres. The team's pressing schedule and recent poor form—losing five of their last six games and seven of their last nine—highlight the need for a turnaround.
Manager's Perspective
Boone was clear about his expectations for Torres and the role he's expected to play in the team’s success. “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 emphasized.
Yankees' Season at a Glance
Despite their recent struggles, the Yankees entered Wednesday’s showdown with a solid record of 52-29, holding a two-game lead over the Orioles in the AL East race. Their overall performance this season has been commendable, but the recent dip in form and the pressing need to maintain their lead in the division underline the urgency to address issues within the team promptly.
On the other side, the Mets have showcased remarkable consistency, boasting the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6. With the competition heating up, the Yankees' need for standout performances is more critical than ever.
Health and Future Prospects
Ensuring Torres' health and reigniting his form are paramount to the Yankees' aspirations this season. The team needs all hands on deck, especially with the challenging lineup and the pressing schedule they face. The absence of key players and the recent losses put additional pressure on the roster to step up.
For Boone and the Yankees, the hope is that this lineup decision serves as a wake-up call for Torres, motivating him to overcome his struggles and emerge as a reliable presence in the lineup once more.
As the Yankees navigate this critical stretch of the season, the performance and health of players like Torres will undoubtedly be key to their success. The next few games will reveal if the changes implemented can spark a much-needed turnaround for the team.