Yankees Bench Gleyber Torres Amid Struggles and Groin Discomfort
In a surprising move, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone opted to bench Gleyber Torres for Wednesday's game against the Mets, following the second baseman's failure to run out a critical late-inning ground ball the previous day. Torres, who is just 27 years old, has faced considerable struggles recently, exacerbated by both his performance at the plate and physical discomfort.
With Torres out, Oswaldo Cabrera stepped into his usual position at second base. The decision comes as the Yankees seek to regain their form, having lost five of their last six games. They currently maintain a narrow two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East, but recent performances have not been encouraging.
Torres' season stats further underline his difficulties. Over 80 games in the 2024 season, he has posted a batting line of .215/.294/.333, with seven home runs. These numbers give him an OPS+ of 78, a significant drop from his career OPS+ of 114. His performance over the last two weeks has been particularly troubling, as he has managed only a .108/.222/.324 slash line.
Boone's message was clear regarding Torres' exclusion from the lineup. “We need him to go. We need him to get going, especially through this stretch,” Boone said. “We need him to be a presence in the middle of our lineup. We've got to get that out of him.” This statement underscores the urgency Boone feels in reinvigorating Torres' bat, especially given the Yankees' recent downturn in form.
Compounding these woes is Torres' groin discomfort, which he cited as the reason for not running out the ground ball. Ensuring Torres' health is vital for the Yankees, particularly as they navigate a grueling schedule without key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton. The absence of these critical bats places additional pressure on Torres to perform at his best.
Entering Wednesday's game, the Yankees held a record of 52-29. However, the team's recent skid, having lost seven of their last nine games, has raised concerns. The Mets, conversely, have been red-hot, boasting the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6. The contrast in form between the two teams highlights the challenges the Yankees face as they strive to maintain their edge in the AL East.
In the broader context, Boone's decision to rest Torres can be seen as a necessary move to protect one of their crucial players. The Yankees need Torres to bounce back and contribute meaningfully if they are to meet their aspirations for the season. Boone's words resonate with the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the critical need for Torres to rediscover his form and be a substantial presence in the lineup.
The next few games will be pivotal not just for Torres but for the entire Yankees squad. As they seek to get back on track, the contributions from their role players like Torres will be crucial. The health and performance of their key members remain a priority as the Yankees aim to solidify their lead and enhance their postseason prospects.
For now, the focus remains on getting Torres healthy and back to his best. The team and its fans will be hoping that a short break from the lineup will help Gleyber Torres regain his form and confidence, vital components for the Yankees' success in the remainder of the season.