New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a significant decision in Wednesday's game against the Mets, choosing to bench second baseman Gleyber Torres. This move comes on the heels of an incident where Torres failed to run out a critical late-inning ground ball. The decision saw utility player Oswaldo Cabrera stepping into Torres’ usual spot in the infield.
Gleyber Torres, at 27 years old, has experienced a turbulent season in 2024. His performance at the plate has been less than stellar, with a batting line of .215/.294/.333 and seven home runs across 80 games, translating to an OPS+ of 78. This is a stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114, highlighting a significant dip in his offensive production. Over the past two weeks, Torres’ struggles have been particularly pronounced, as he has managed only a .108/.222/.324 slash line.
Torres attributed his lackluster effort in running out the ground ball to groin discomfort, a revelation that raises questions about his fitness and readiness to contribute at a high level. The Yankees, already dealing with the absence of key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, cannot afford further setbacks in their lineup.
Manager’s Call to Action
Manager Aaron Boone's decision to sit Torres highlights the urgency of the situation. Boone emphasized the necessity of Torres getting back on track, especially given the demanding schedule that lies ahead for the Yankees. "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 remarked.
The Yankees entered Wednesday's matchup with a commendable 52-29 record, holding a narrow two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East race. Even so, the team has hit a rough patch, losing five of their last six games and seven of their last nine. This dip in form has placed added pressure on Boone and his squad to find immediate solutions to their offensive woes.
Critical Stretch for Torres and the Yankees
The timing of Torres’ struggles couldn't be worse for the Yankees. The Mets, boasting the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6, represent formidable opposition. Ensuring Torres’ health and reigniting his bat are vital for the Yankees' aspirations this season. Boone's decision to bench Torres underscores the importance of accountability and the need for consistent contributions from all players.
With a pressing schedule on the horizon, the Yankees need every player to be at their best. Boone’s approach indicates a clear message to Torres and the team: performance is paramount, and there is little margin for error. The Yankees’ success or failure in the coming weeks may well hinge on whether veteran players like Torres can return to form and provide the support the team desperately needs.
As the Yankees navigate this challenging period, the spotlight is squarely on Torres. His response to this benching and his ability to overcome recent struggles will likely play a crucial role in determining the team's fortunes going forward. For now, all eyes remain on how the once-promising slugger adjusts and fights to regain his place and form in a lineup striving for stability and success.