New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres was notably absent from the starting lineup on Wednesday. Manager Aaron Boone made the call to bench Torres after a subpar performance during a critical moment in the previous game. Filling the void at second base was Oswaldo Cabrera, as the Yankees completed their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Struggling Numbers for Torres
Torres's numbers this season reveal a player who is experiencing a significant decline. Currently batting .215/.294/.333 with just seven home runs over 80 games, his production is far from what the Yankees and their fans have come to expect. This translates to an OPS+ of 78, a steep drop from his career OPS+ of 114 entering 2024.
The last two weeks have been particularly tough for Torres. His slash line of .108/.222/.324 during this period signals a deeper slump. According to Torres, the reason behind his apparent lack of hustle is groin discomfort. While any physical ailment can impact performance, the Yankees need more from their former star, especially now.
Boone's Decision
Aaron Boone's decision to bench Torres isn't taken lightly. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," said Boone, highlighting the physical and mental toll the game can take on players. Boone further emphasized the importance of getting Torres back on track, stating, "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 benching might be seen as a strategic move to give Torres a chance to recuperate and realign. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone noted, indicating that this decision could help rejuvenate Torres for the challenges ahead.
Yankees' Current Standings
The Yankees are currently standing at 52-29, holding a slim two-game lead over the Orioles in the highly competitive American League East. This tight margin emphasizes the importance of each game and the need for every player to be at their best. The recent form of the Yankees, however, is a growing concern. Having lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine, the team is in a precarious position.
Injuries and Adversities
Compounding their challenges are injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton. The absence of these pivotal figures places extra pressure on the remaining lineup to perform. Boone and his coaching staff face ongoing difficulty balancing the roster, ensuring players are both mentally and physically prepared for every game.
Facing a Formidable Opponent
Meanwhile, the Mets have been a formidable force, boasting MLB's best record in June at 14-6. The Yankees faced an uphill battle against an opponent riding high on confidence and form. This made Torres's temporary benching all the more critical as Boone sought to ensure that every player on the field was capable of delivering peak performance.
As the Yankees edge towards the latter part of the season, getting Gleyber Torres back to his best will be crucial for Bronx Bombers' ambitions. Boone's decision serves as a timely reminder of the delicate balance managers must maintain between nurturing their players and demanding peak performance. All eyes will be on Torres in the coming days to see how he responds to this well-calculated move by his manager.