New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself on the bench Wednesday after struggling during a key moment in the previous game. Manager Aaron Boone opted to sit Torres, replacing him with Oswaldo Cabrera as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Torres, who is currently hitting .215/.294/.333 with just seven home runs across 80 games, has seen a significant drop in his performance. His OPS+ stands at 78, a stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114 going into the 2024 season. Over the past two weeks, his form has been particularly troubling, with a slash line of .108/.222/.324.
Boone’s decision to bench Torres wasn't just about his recent offensive struggles. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone commented, suggesting that while the problem isn't catastrophic, it's still enough to warrant concern. He indicated that Torres might benefit from a break both mentally and physically. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone explained. "I just feel like he needs it."
Boone’s sense of urgency is palpable as the Yankees navigate a critical juncture of the season. "We need him to go. We need him to get going, especially through this stretch," Boone emphasized. "We need him to be a presence in the middle of our lineup. We've got to get that out of him."
The Yankees, currently boasting a 52-29 record, hold a narrow two-game lead over the Orioles in the American League East. However, their grip on the lead is tenuous, having lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine. Injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton have further compounded their woes, leaving the lineup in dire need of resurgence.
Meanwhile, the Mets have been red-hot, sporting MLB's best record in June with a 14-6 run. The contrast between the two New York teams has been stark, adding pressure on the Yankees to find solutions quickly.
Torres himself attributed his recent lack of hustle on the field to groin discomfort. While not being specific about the severity, this ailment could partly explain his dip in performance.
As the Yankees aim to snap their recent skid and maintain their division lead, revitalizing Torres's form could prove pivotal. Boone’s decision to give Torres a short respite may be a strategic move to help their struggling second baseman regain his footing. Whether this strategy pays off remains to be seen, but the Yankees’ immediate future could hinge heavily on Torres rediscovering his touch at the plate.