An Unexpected Bench: Gleyber Torres Sits Out Following Slump
On Wednesday, the New York Yankees' second baseman Gleyber Torres was noticeably absent from the starting lineup. This decision by Manager Aaron Boone came on the heels of Torres’ underwhelming performance in a pivotal moment during the previous game.
Boon opted to bench Torres, relying instead on Oswaldo Cabrera to take up the responsibilities at second base as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets. The decision was driven by Torres' current batting statistics and recent struggles.
Struggling Numbers
Torres' numbers have been disappointing this season. He is currently hitting .215/.294/.333 and has managed just seven home runs over the course of 80 games. His OPS+ stands at 78, a noticeable decline from his career OPS+ of 114 entering 2024.
Over the past two weeks, Torres' performance has taken a particularly concerning dip, reflected in a slash line of .108/.222/.324. The usually dependable second baseman has struggled to find his rhythm, which has contributed to the Yankees' recent woes.
Lingering Discomfort
Torres attributed some of his lackluster performance to groin discomfort, which has evidently affected his hustle and overall play on the field. It's a concerning factor for the Yankees, given how vital Torres is to their lineup, especially during a critical stretch of the season.
"Nothing that's too significant," Boone commented regarding Torres' condition. However, it is clear that the manager sees the need to give Torres some time to both recover and reset.
Manager's Perspective
"He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone explained. The manager understands the importance of having Torres at his best for 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."
These statements reflect Boone's confidence in Torres' potential to bounce back and help the team turn things around. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone added, emphasizing the necessity of this brief hiatus for the struggling player.
The Bigger Picture
The Yankees' current standing is 52-29, a position that seems paradoxically strong given their recent performance. They hold a narrow two-game lead over the Orioles in the competitive American League East. However, the team has lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine, underscoring the urgency for a turnaround.
Injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton have further complicated the Yankees' situation, placing additional pressure on the rest of the lineup to perform. The Mets, on the other hand, have been on an impressive run, boasting MLB's best record in June at 14-6. This sharp contrast only adds to the Yankees' challenges.
Looking Ahead
The expectation is that with some rest, Torres can regain his form and contribute significantly as the season progresses. The Yankees are at a pivotal point where regaining their footing could mean the difference between leading their division or falling behind.
As the Yankees navigate this rough patch, the spotlight will continue to be on players like Gleyber Torres. His return to form could be a catalyst for the team as they strive to maintain their lead and push deeper into the season. For now, the decision to bench him seems a strategic move by Boone to preserve his player's health and maximize his potential for future games.