New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres was absent from the starting lineup on Wednesday, a notable benching instigated by manager Aaron Boone. This decision follows Torres' underwhelming performance during a pivotal moment in the previous game, a decision that underscores Boone's intent to shake things up as the team grapples with recent struggles.
Boone opted for Oswaldo Cabrera to cover for Torres at second base as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets. Torres, who is batting a disappointing .215/.294/.333 this season with only seven home runs over 80 games, has seen his performance metrics dip significantly. His current OPS+ of 78 is a far cry from his career OPS+ of 114 entering the 2024 season.
A Slump in Performance
The past two weeks have been particularly difficult for Torres, whose slash line has plummeted to .108/.222/.324. His recent struggles at the plate have been alarming, especially given his prior contributions to the team's offense. Addressing the media, Boone acknowledged the necessity of some downtime for Torres: "He might get a couple days to reset... mentally, physically," Boone explained.
Compounding the issue, Torres himself attributed his recent lack of hustle to groin discomfort, adding another layer of concern for a Yankees lineup already burdened by injuries. The Yankees are currently contending with the absence of key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, making Torres' slump even more problematic.
A Pivotal Decision
Boone's strategy of giving Torres some time off highlights the urgency for a turnaround. "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. This clearly indicates that, despite his struggles, Torres remains a vital component of the Yankees' lineup.
The Yankees, who hold a 52-29 record and a narrow two-game lead over the Orioles in the American League East, are in a precarious position. They've lost five of their last six and seven of their last nine games, indicating a troubling trend as they approach the latter part of the season. Boone's decision to bench Torres is reflective not just of immediate performance issues, but also of a broader strategy to revitalize a faltering squad.
Challenging Times for the Yankees
Meanwhile, the Mets have been on a hot streak, boasting Major League Baseball's best record in June with a 14-6 tally. This context further amplifies the stakes for the Yankees, who must navigate these turbulent times with a roster in flux due to both injuries and underperformance.
Boone's remarks underscore the weight of the situation. "Nothing that's too significant," he said, attempting to downplay the immediate concern while still acknowledging the necessity for Torres to rebound. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone added, pointing to the decision to give Torres a mental and physical break in hopes that it recalibrates his performance.
As the Yankees work to regain their footing, the expectation is for Torres to emerge from this period of rest ready to contribute at his known capacity. The days ahead will be critical, not just for Torres but for a Yankees team striving to maintain their lead in a competitive division and overcome a series of setbacks.
With pivotal games on the horizon and key players sidelined, Boone's leadership and decisions will undoubtedly play a critical role in the Yankees' attempt to stabilize their season and reinforce their position in the standings.