New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a strategic decision on Wednesday, leaving second baseman Gleyber Torres out of the lineup in their game against the Mets. This move came on the heels of Torres’ recent struggles, both at the plate and on the field.
The decision to bench Torres followed an incident in Tuesday's game where he failed to run out a crucial late-inning ground ball. Post-game, Torres attributed his lapse to groin discomfort, which sheds some light on his recent underperformance.
Struggles at the Plate
So far in the 2024 season, the 27-year-old Torres has been underwhelming with a batting line of .215/.294/.333 and seven home runs over 80 games. His OPS+ of 78 is a stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114 coming into the season. Over the past two weeks, his struggles have become even more pronounced, slashing a dismal .108/.222/.324.
Key Losses and Pressure on the Lineup
The Yankees are currently dealing with the absence of key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, adding pressure on others to step up. Boone’s message is 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."
Oswaldo Cabrera, who has been tasked with replacing Torres at second base, faces his own challenges. But the Yankees need contributions from all quarters as they navigate through a pressing schedule and a recent rough patch, losing five of their last six games and seven out of the last nine.
Yankees in a Tight Race
Despite recent struggles, the Yankees maintain a strong record of 52-29 and hold a slender two-game lead over the Orioles in the AL East race. The stakes are high, and every game counts, especially against formidable opponents like the Mets, who boasted the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6.
Ensuring Torres' Health and Performance
Ensuring Torres' health is critical, and Boone seems to be balancing his immediate performance needs with long-term considerations. Torres holds an integral role in the Yankees' lineup, and reigniting his bat could be pivotal to the team's aspirations this season.
The Yankees' current form and upcoming fixtures underscore the need for top performances from their players. With the margin of error slim and the race heating up, every decision, including resting key players like Torres, is crucial.
For now, the Yankees will be looking to break out of their slump and find consistency. Torres' return to form, combined with contributions from the rest of the lineup, could provide the spark they need to solidify their position and make a deep playoff run.