Yankees Bench Gleyber Torres Amid Recent Slump
In the midst of a crucial stretch in their season, the New York Yankees have made a significant lineup change by benching second baseman Gleyber Torres. The decision came after Torres's disappointing performance in a recent pivotal moment, prompting Manager Aaron Boone to turn to Oswaldo Cabrera to fill in at second base for the series finale against the New York Mets.
Torres's struggles at the plate have been evident, with his current batting line sitting at .215/.294/.333 over 80 games, accompanied by just seven home runs. This has resulted in an OPS+ of 78, a sharp decline from his career OPS+ of 114 as he entered the 2024 season. Particularly concerning for the Yankees has been Torres's recent form over the past two weeks, during which he has managed a slash line of .108/.222/.324.
When asked about the decision to give Torres some time off, Aaron Boone emphasized that it was a necessary move. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone remarked. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically." Boone further explained the importance of Torres returning to form, stating, "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. I just feel like he needs it."
Adding to the complexity of the Yankees' situation are injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, putting additional pressure on the remaining roster to step up. The Yankees currently hold a slim two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the fiercely competitive American League East, but recent performances have not been encouraging. The team has lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine, raising concerns about their ability to maintain their position at the top of the standings.
Despite these challenges, the Yankees have showcased resilience, as reflected in their record standing at 52-29. However, the recent downturn in form has coincided with an impressive run by the Mets, who boast MLB's best record in June at 14-6. The dynamic between the two New York teams adds an intriguing layer to the Yankees' current struggles and the urgency to find answers quickly.
For Gleyber Torres, the current situation underscores a critical juncture in his season. The 26-year-old has already identified groin discomfort as contributing to his recent lack of hustle. The time on the bench could provide him the much-needed opportunity to address this issue and return to the lineup revitalized and ready to contribute at the level expected of him.
As the Yankees face this period of adversity, the spotlight will remain on how the team can navigate its challenges, particularly in the absence of key figures like Rizzo and Stanton, and with Torres working to regain his form. The immediate focus shifts to the conclusion of the series against the Mets and the necessity for the remaining players to step up and fill the void left by their sidelined teammates.