Yankees Bench Gleyber Torres Amid Struggles Against Crosstown Rival Mets
New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres was notably absent from the starting lineup on Wednesday, following a disheartening performance in a critical moment during the team's recent game. Manager Aaron Boone elected to give Torres a break, turning to Oswaldo Cabrera to cover second base while the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets.
The decision comes as Torres is grappling with a season marked by substantial underperformance. Currently batting a meager .215/.294/.333, Torres has managed only seven home runs over the span of 80 games. This downturn in performance is underscored by an OPS+ of 78, a worrisome decline from his career OPS+ of 114 leading into the 2024 season.
Boone's Strategic Decision
Speaking on the matter, Aaron Boone noted, "Nothing that's too significant." He elaborated further, explaining that he believes Torres "might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically." The Yankees' manager stressed the importance of Torres's revival, emphasizing, "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 respite for Torres may not just be about rest and recovery but a crucial opportunity to refocus. Boone added, "I just feel like he needs it."
Recent Performance Troubles
The past two weeks have been particularly challenging for Torres, who has struggled with a troubling slash line of .108/.222/.324. His recent lack of hustle on the field was addressed, with Torres attributing it to groin discomfort.
Despite his struggles, Torres's benching comes at a pivotal time for the Yankees. The team currently holds a 52-29 record and a slim two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the highly competitive American League East. This decision underscores the urgency Boone and the Yankees feel to get their key players performing at their best as they navigate the season's critical mid-point.
Yankees' Season Challenges
The Yankees' recent form has been less than stellar, losing five of their last six games and seven out of the last nine. Compounding their challenges are injuries to influential players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, which have further strained the team's resources.
Conversely, the Mets have been on an impressive run, boasting MLB's best record in June at 14-6. This stark contrast in fortunes adds extra pressure on the Yankees to stabilize and improve their performance.
As the Yankees continue their season, the spotlight remains on how Torres—and by extension, the entire team—responds to this period of adversity. Boone's hope is that by benching Torres now, he will return rejuvenated and ready to contribute at the high level the Yankees will need to maintain their edge and advance through the rest of the season.
Overall, the stage is set for Gleyber Torres to reclaim his place and demonstrate his value on a team striving to overcome its recent setbacks.