Yankees Shake Up Lineup as Gleyber Torres Sits Amid Struggles
In a notable move ahead of a key game against the Mets, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided to bench second baseman Gleyber Torres. This decision followed Torres' failure to run out a critical late-inning ground ball the previous night, attributed to discomfort in his groin.
Oswaldo Cabrera stepped in to fill Torres' usual spot at second base as the Yankees aim to turn around a difficult stretch. The team entered the game with a 52-29 record, clinging to a two-game lead over the Orioles in the AL East race. The Yankees have stumbled recently, losing five of their last six games and seven of their last nine, making contributions from key players like Torres all the more essential.
Torres, who is 27 years old, has had a challenging 2024 season thus far. Batting .215/.294/.333 with seven home runs in 80 games, his performance translates to an OPS+ of 78, a significant drop from his career OPS+ of 114 coming into the season. Over the past two weeks, his struggles have been more pronounced, slashing a meager .108/.222/.324.
Despite his current difficulties, Torres' role in the lineup remains crucial, especially as the Yankees contend with injuries to crucial players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton. Boone emphasized the need for Torres to rediscover his form, 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."
The Yankees' focus is on both ensuring Torres' health and reigniting his bat, which is critical for their aspirations this season. Torres' inability to run out the ground ball due to groin discomfort raises concerns about his fitness. The team faces a pressing schedule, adding urgency to the need for Torres to return to form.
As they square off against a Mets team boasting the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6, the Yankees understand the importance of each player's contribution. Boone's decision to bench Torres underscores the balance between accountability and managing player health within the rigorous demands of a baseball season.
The game against the Mets represents another challenge in a season filled with highs and lows. Ensuring their key players are both physically prepared and performing at their peak remains paramount for the Yankees as they navigate the gruelling path ahead.