New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a notable decision ahead of Wednesday's game against the Mets, opting to leave second baseman Gleyber Torres out of the starting lineup. This move follows Torres’ failure to hustle on a critical late-inning ground ball the previous night, a lapse he attributed to groin discomfort.
In Torres' absence, Oswaldo Cabrera took over at second base. The 27-year-old Torres has had a tumultuous 2024 season, posting a .215/.294/.333 slash line with seven home runs across 80 games. These numbers equate to an OPS+ of 78, a stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114 entering the season.
Boone’s message was clear: "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."
Torres’ recent struggles have been particularly evident over the last two weeks, during which he has slashed a meager .108/.222/.324. These performance issues come at a challenging time for the Yankees, who are currently without key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton due to injuries. Torres’ contributions are essential for a team that is grappling to maintain its lead in the AL East.
The Yankees entered Wednesday’s game with a solid 52-29 record, yet they have stumbled recently, losing seven of their last nine games and five of their last six. This slump has narrowed their lead over the Baltimore Orioles to just two games. The Yankees' need for stability and production from their roster is more pressing than ever, particularly given the demanding schedule ahead.
The Mets, conversely, have been on a tear, boasting the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6. Facing a red-hot opponent, the Yankees can ill afford further underperformance from their regulars. Boone's decision to bench Torres, although potentially controversial, underscores the urgency for players to deliver on the field.
Ensuring Torres' health and reigniting his bat are critical components of the Yankees’ strategy as they eye a deep playoff run. His inability to run out a ground ball due to groin discomfort sparked Boone's intervention, a decision aimed at both holding players accountable and allowing them time to recuperate if necessary.
Boone’s call to action highlights the critical juncture at which the Yankees find themselves. The manager's emphasis on Torres’ role underscores not only the player’s importance but also the broader demand for peak performance across the roster. “We've got to get that out of him,” Boone asserted.
A rejuvenated Torres could provide the offensive lift the Yankees desperately need. As the season progresses, the spotlight will remain on Torres to see if he can overcome his current slump and return to the form that once made him a cornerstone of the Yankees’ lineup.
In summation, the Yankees’ recent roster adjustments, including the benching of Gleyber Torres, reflect an acute awareness of the stakes involved. As Boone and his squad navigate the rigors of a challenging schedule, the focus remains sharp: securing every possible win and ensuring that every player contributes fully to the team’s pursuit of postseason glory.