Gleyber Torres Benched Amid Yankees' Struggles
New York Yankees' second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself out of the starting lineup on Wednesday, a decision made by Manager Aaron Boone following a lackluster performance during a crucial moment in the previous game. Boone opted to bench Torres and relied on Oswaldo Cabrera to take over at second base as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the cross-town rival New York Mets.
The benching comes as Torres has struggled at the plate this season, currently batting .215/.294/.333 with just seven home runs over 80 games. This slump translates to an OPS+ of 78, a stark contrast to his career average OPS+ of 114 entering the 2024 season. The situation worsened over the past two weeks, during which Torres's performance dipped to an alarming slash line of .108/.222/.324, raising concerns within the Yankees' camp.
Torres attributed some of his recent performance issues to groin discomfort, which might have contributed to his lack of hustle on the field. Boone, addressing the media, explained the rationale behind giving Torres some time off. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone said regarding the move. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically."
Such decisions come at a crucial juncture for the Yankees, who hold a 52-29 record but have lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine. With injuries to key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, the team is navigating a challenging period. The Yankees' position atop the American League East stands precariously with a slim two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles.
The Mets, on the other hand, have been on an impressive run, boasting MLB's best record in June at 14-6. This adds pressure on the Yankees to regain their form swiftly. The significance of Torres stepping up his game cannot be overstated, as Boone emphasized the team's need for his contributions. "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 asserted.
Boone's decision to bench Torres is not just a tactical move but also a strategic reset. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone added, reflecting a combination of concern and optimism about the player's ability to bounce back.
The Yankees' recent slump demands immediate rectification, and getting Torres back to form could play a pivotal role in their quest to solidify their lead in the division. The team must navigate through injuries and inconsistent performances, hoping that strategic decisions like these will lay the foundation for a strong comeback. As the Yankees strive to regain their winning ways, all eyes will be on Torres's ability to reset and deliver on the expectations that have long been associated with his talent.