New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres was notably absent from the starting lineup on Wednesday, following a disappointing display in a crucial moment in the previous game. Manager Aaron Boone's decision to bench Torres in favor of Oswaldo Cabrera marked a significant move as the Yankees closed their two-game series against cross-town rivals, the New York Mets.
Offensive Struggles
Torres's performance this season has been underwhelming, to say the least. The 26-year-old is currently batting a mere .215/.294/.333, with just seven home runs over 80 games. These numbers translate to an OPS+ of 78, a stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114 heading into the 2024 season. In recent weeks, his struggles have become even more pronounced, as evidenced by a dismal slash line of .108/.222/.324 over the past two weeks.
Explaining his decision, Boone conveyed that this benching is a strategic move designed to help Torres reset. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," noted Boone. "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."
Physical Ailments and the Teams' Stand
Adding to Torres's troubles is a nagging groin discomfort which he cited as the reason for his lack of hustle. While Boone downplayed the severity, stating, "Nothing that's too significant," it is clear that the ailment has impacted Torres's performance on the field. Boone added, "I just feel like he needs it," emphasizing the benefit of some recovery time for Torres.
Currently, the Yankees stand at 52-29, holding a slim two-game edge over the Baltimore Orioles in the tightly contested American League East. However, recent form has been less than encouraging. The Yankees have dropped five of their last six games and seven of their last nine, putting their postseason aspirations in jeopardy.
Injury Woes and Next Man Up
The Yankees' recent slide can be attributed, in part, to injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, both of whom have been sidelined. Their absences have left significant gaps in the Yankees' lineup, making it even more crucial for other players, including Torres, to step up.
Meanwhile, the Mets have turned their season around in June, boasting MLB's best record of 14-6 for the month. This surge in performance adds pressure on the Yankees, who are searching for consistency as they navigate a challenging stretch of their schedule.
Oswaldo Cabrera stepped in at second base for the Yankees on Wednesday, as they wrapped up their series against the Mets. Whether he can fill the void left by Torres remains to be seen, but the Yankees will need to find answers quickly if they hope to maintain their lead in the AL East.
As the Yankees look to regroup, one thing is clear: Gleyber Torres's return to form is pivotal. Boone's strategy to give him time to reset could be the key to unlocking his potential and reinvigorating a struggling Yankees squad. Until then, the pressure mounts for a team striving to stay atop their division amidst mounting challenges.