In a surprising move, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided to bench second baseman Gleyber Torres on Wednesday following a disappointing performance in a crucial moment during the previous game. As the Yankees closed out their two-game series against the New York Mets, Oswaldo Cabrera took Torres's spot at second base.
Torres's Struggles at the Plate
Gleyber Torres has been struggling offensively, currently batting .215/.294/.333 with just seven home runs over 80 games. This translates to an OPS+ of 78, a stark contrast from his career OPS+ of 114 entering the 2024 season. His recent form has been particularly troubling; over the past two weeks, Torres has managed a discouraging slash line of .108/.222/.324.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed the need for Torres to step up and regain his form. "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 emphasized.
A Necessary Reset
Boone hinted that the decision to bench Torres is intended to give the player a chance to reset both mentally and physically. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone explained. "I just feel like he needs it."
Torres has attributed his recent lack of hustle to groin discomfort, raising concerns about his physical condition. Despite this, Boone assured that the situation isn't overly alarming. "Nothing that's too significant," the manager noted.
Yankees' Current Standing
The Yankees are currently holding a record of 52-29, maintaining a slim two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the highly competitive American League East. However, the team's performance of late has been far from satisfactory. The Yankees have lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine.
Adding to the team's woes are injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, further complicating the Yankees' lineup and putting additional pressure on the remaining roster to perform.
Mets on a Hot Streak
While the Yankees grapple with their internal challenges, their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, have been on a tear. The Mets boast MLB's best record in June, standing at 14-6, highlighting the stark contrast between the two teams' recent fortunes.
For the Yankees, the road ahead requires resilience and a significant boost in performance, especially from underperforming players like Torres. Boone's decision to give Torres a brief respite might be precisely what the struggling infielder needs to find his footing and return as a formidable force in the Yankees' lineup.
As the season progresses, the Yankees will need every bit of talent and dedication from their roster to navigate the challenges and uphold their standing in the fiercely contested American League East.