New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself on the bench Wednesday following a span of subpar performances that culminated in a missed opportunity during a crucial moment in the previous game. Manager Aaron Boone opted to sit Torres, instead placing his trust in Oswaldo Cabrera to cover second base as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Torres has seen a noticeable drop in productivity this season, currently batting .215/.294/.333, with just seven home runs over 80 games. For a player who entered 2024 with a career OPS+ of 114, his current OPS+ of 78 represents a significant decline.
Troubling Trends
The concern stretches over the past couple of weeks, as Torres has struggled with a slash line of .108/.222/.324. Whether these figures reflect a temporary slump or an extended downturn remains uncertain. According to Torres, his lack of hustle can be attributed to groin discomfort, a condition that might explain some of his recent struggles on the field.
Boone revealed his thought process behind benching Torres: "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone explained. "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's patience and understanding might foster the reset Torres seemingly needs. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone added, emphasizing the strategic pause.
Team Struggles and Injuries
The decision to bench Torres comes amid a difficult stretch for the Yankees. Despite a commendable standing at 52-29, the team has lost five out of their last six games and seven of their last nine. Their once comfortable lead has shrunk, now holding a slim two-game lead over the Orioles in the ultra-competitive American League East. The Yankees are also coping with injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, both critical to the team's overall success.
Mets Surge
Meanwhile, the Mets have been on a winning streak, posting the best record in MLB for June with a 14-6 run. This adds further pressure on the Yankees to rebound quickly. As the Mets continue their impressive form, the Yankees' struggles have been laid bare, making Boone's strategy all the more crucial.
Boone remains cautiously optimistic about Torres's ability to bounce back. "Nothing that's too significant," he remarked, signaling that the benching is more of a strategic maneuver rather than a reflection of Torres's long-term role in the team. Boone's focus appears to be on reigniting Torres's form for the demanding weeks ahead, where the Yankees will need all hands on deck to maintain their lead in the standings.
As the Yankees navigate this rough patch, getting key players like Torres to perform at their best will be essential. Whether these few days of rest and reflection can jumpstart Torres's sluggish season remains to be seen, but with Boone's carefully considered approach, the Yankees are clearly looking to turn the tide.