New York Yankees' second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself watching Wednesday's game from the bench after a recent disappointing performance. This decision by manager Aaron Boone comes as the Yankees aimed to close out their two-game series against the New York Mets, relying on Oswaldo Cabrera's talents to fill the void at second base.
Struggles at the Plate
Torres's current batting stats present a grim picture: a .215/.294/.333 slash line, with only seven home runs over 80 games. These numbers translate to an OPS+ of 78, a significant drop from his career OPS+ of 114 heading into the 2024 season. The past two weeks have been particularly challenging for Torres, reflected in an underwhelming slash line of .108/.222/.324.
Boone's decision to bench Torres wasn't taken lightly. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone said regarding the benching. The manager further elaborated that Torres might need some time off to regain his focus and physical condition. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone explained. It's evident that Boone acknowledges the critical role Torres plays in their lineup and the need for him to be back at his best. "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 emphasized.
Impact of Injuries
The Yankees are not just dealing with Torres’s slump; injuries to key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton have added to their woes. As the Yankees stand at an admirable 52-29, they hold a narrow two-game lead over the Orioles in the highly competitive American League East. However, recent performance trends are troubling, with the team losing five of their last six and seven of their last nine games. Boone commented on Torres's mental state, noting, "I just feel like he needs it," signaling a break might be beneficial for the player's overall readiness.
Mental and Physical Recalibration
Torres himself has attributed his performance issues to groin discomfort, which has undoubtedly hindered his hustle and effectiveness on the field. The team’s struggles are further compounded by the red-hot performance of their crosstown rivals. The Mets have been unstoppable, boasting Major League Baseball's best record in June at 14-6, adding pressure on the Yankees to keep up in this critical part of the season.
For the Yankees to maintain their standing and improve their recent form, the revival of key players like Torres is essential. The break could be a turning point for the second baseman, allowing him to recuperate and return to his previous form. Boone's stance reflects a strategic approach, balancing the immediate needs of the team with the long-term performance and health of his players.
The coming games will test the depth and resilience of the Yankees’ squad. All eyes will be on how well Torres and his teammates respond to these challenges. For now, Torres's temporary benching is a move aimed at reigniting the spark that the second baseman has demonstrated in past seasons. Yankees fans and the broader baseball community will be waiting to see if this reset will indeed bring Torres back to being the formidable presence in the lineup that the Yankees rely on.