In a surprising move, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone opted to leave second baseman Gleyber Torres out of the lineup for Wednesday's pivotal game against the Mets. This decision comes hot on the heels of Torres' failure to run out a key late-inning ground ball, an incident he attributed to groin discomfort.
Struggles at the Plate
It has been a tumultuous season for the 27-year-old Torres, whose numbers have fallen significantly below his career averages. For the 2024 season, Torres is batting a meager .215/.294/.333 with seven home runs in 80 games. His OPS+ stands at 78, a steep decline from his career OPS+ of 114. Over the past two weeks, his struggles have been even more pronounced, slashing .108/.222/.324.
With key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton already sidelined, the Yankees are desperate for contributions from Torres. Manager Aaron Boone was candid about the situation, stating, "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."
Lineup Changes
Oswaldo Cabrera has taken over Torres' usual second base position, a decision that underscores Boone's urgency in addressing the team's recent form. The Yankees have struggled mightily, losing five of their last six games and seven of their last nine. Despite these setbacks, they entered Wednesday's showdown with a record of 52-29, holding a precarious two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East race.
Critical Moment in the Season
The Yankees are facing a pressing schedule and cannot afford to falter at this juncture. Ensuring Torres' health while reigniting his bat will be critical to the team's aspirations this season. His absence was notably felt as the Yankees took on a Mets team that has been red-hot, boasting the best record in Major League Baseball for June with a 14-6 run.
Team Dynamics
Boone's decision to bench Torres is a clear signal that performance and accountability are paramount, even for seasoned players. The Yankees manager is aware that getting Torres back to his form is not just a matter of personal achievement but a crucial element for the team's success.
While the absence of Rizzo and Stanton already places additional pressure on the squad, the recent struggles add an extra layer of urgency. Boone's comments reflect a deep concern but also a belief that Torres can rebound. "We've got to get that out of him," Boone emphasized, highlighting the collective need for Torres to anchor the middle of the lineup.
Outlook
The path ahead for Torres and the Yankees will be challenging. The team's recent slump contrasts sharply with their strong start to the season. Turning things around will require not just tactical adjustments but a resurgence in player performance, especially from key figures like Torres.
In closing, the benching of Gleyber Torres might serve as a wake-up call for the Yankees. It underscores the critical juncture at which the team finds itself and the immediate need for all hands to be on deck. Whether this move will spark the necessary turnaround remains to be seen, but it is clear that the Yankees are taking every measure to steer their season back on course.