New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres was notably absent from the starting lineup on Wednesday, following a pivotal moment in the previous game where his performance fell below expectations. Manager Aaron Boone made the call to bench Torres, opting instead to have Oswaldo Cabrera fill the gap at second base as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Torres's recent struggles at the plate have been glaring. Currently, he is batting a meager .215/.294/.333 and has managed just seven home runs in 80 games. This drop in production translates to an OPS+ of 78, a concerning decline from his career OPS+ of 114 as he entered 2024. Over the past two weeks, Torres has been particularly unproductive, with a slash line of .108/.222/.324, raising alarms for both the player and the team.
One of the key factors contributing to Torres's uncharacteristic performance points to physical discomfort. The second baseman himself attributed his lack of hustle to groin discomfort, which has evidently affected his on-field capabilities. Manager Aaron Boone commented on the situation, saying, "Nothing that's too significant," attempting to downplay serious concern but acknowledging the need for caution.
A Strategy for Recovery
Boone provided further insights into the decision to bench Torres, indicating that it was part of a broader strategy to address his slump: "He might get a couple days to reset... mentally, physically," Boone explained. This approach hints at a dual need for both physical recuperation and mental readiness, crucial for a player expected to be instrumental during critical stretches of the season.
"We need him to go. We need him to get going, especially through this stretch," said Boone. "We need him to be a presence in the middle of our lineup. We've got to get that out of him." These words underscore the reliance the Yankees have on Torres and the urgency felt with the team battling through a tough phase.
The Yankees' Current Standing
Despite leading the American League East with a 52-29 record, the Yankees are facing a challenging period, spurred by injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton. These setbacks have amplified the need for consistent performance from the rest of the roster, making Torres's slump even more impactful.
The team has encountered a rough patch, losing five of their last six games and seven of their last nine. This precarious situation has placed additional pressure on the Yankees to maintain their two-game lead over the Orioles. Every lineup change and tactical decision during this period could have significant implications for their standing.
Mets' Momentum Adds Pressure
Adding to the complexity of the Yankees' current predicament is the performance of their city rivals, the New York Mets. The Mets have been on an impressive run, boasting the best record in Major League Baseball for June with a 14-6 mark. This juxtaposition of the Mets' ascent and the Yankees' struggles highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, intensifying the competitive atmosphere in New York.
As Boone noted, "I just feel like he needs it," referring to Torres's break from the starting lineup. This sentiment captures the essence of the Yankees' approach—prioritizing the long-term health and performance of a key player to navigate through a taxing season effectively. The hope is that Torres will return revitalized, ready to be the force in the lineup that the Yankees desperately need as they aim to solidify their lead and make a deep run come postseason.