New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself surprisingly absent from the starting lineup on Wednesday, a decision made by manager Aaron Boone in light of Torres's recent underwhelming performance. The timing of Torres's benching comes on the heels of a critical moment in the previous game where his output was, to put it mildly, disappointing.
In Torres's stead, Boone entrusted Oswaldo Cabrera to take on the role at second base for the conclusion of the Yankees' two-game series against their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets. This move indicates Boone's willingness to shake things up as the Yankees navigate a critical juncture in their season.
Struggling Numbers
Torres's stats shed light on why Boone might have made the drastic decision. Currently, Torres holds a lackluster batting average of .215/.294/.333 with only seven home runs across 80 games. These figures translate to an OPS+ of 78—a stark decline compared to his career OPS+ of 114 recorded before the 2024 season.
Even more concerning is Torres's performance over the past two weeks, during which his slash line has plummeted to a dismal .108/.222/.324. Such numbers are untenable for a player expected to anchor the middle of the lineup, especially during pivotal stretches of the season.
Managerial Perspectives
When asked about the decision to bench Torres, Boone indicated that the second baseman might need some time to recalibrate. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone remarked, hinting at a temporary strategic maneuver rather than a long-term benching.
"He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone explained, emphasizing the dual aspects of the game's toll on a player. Furthermore, Boone stressed the importance of Torres stepping up, saying, "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 comments underscore the urgency of the situation and the critical role Torres is expected to play. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone concluded, suggesting that this benching might be more a remedy than a reprimand.
A Team Under Duress
The Yankees' current standing at 52-29 and their precarious two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East tell only part of the story. The team is struggling, having lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine. Adding to the concern are the injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, exacerbating the team's woes.
Conversely, the Mets have been surging, boasting MLB's best record in June with a 14-6 tear. The contrasting fortunes of the two New York teams only add to the pressure on the Yankees to find answers quickly.
Physical Strains and Mental Games
On his part, Torres attributed his lack of hustle to discomfort in his groin, an issue that might explain some of his recent struggles at the plate and in the field. However, whether a few days' rest can restore Torres to his top form remains to be seen.
The Yankees clearly need all hands on deck as they navigate this rough patch, and Torres's role in the lineup is pivotal. Boone's decision serves not only as a message to Torres but also to the rest of the team that performances below par will be addressed, even if it means making tough calls.
As the season progresses, the Yankees will need to overcome their injuries, slumps, and external pressures to maintain their lead in the division. For Gleyber Torres, the coming days will be crucial in proving that he can still be the reliable presence his team desperately needs.