New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres was notable by his absence from the starting lineup on Wednesday, a direct consequence of his lackluster showing during a pivotal moment in the previous game. This decision was made by Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who opted to bench Torres in favor of Oswaldo Cabrera as the team concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Torres has had a challenging season, as evidenced by his hitting statistics—a .215 batting average, a .294 on-base percentage, and a .333 slugging percentage, managing just seven home runs over the span of 80 games. This translates to an OPS+ of 78, a noticeable decline from his career OPS+ of 114 coming into the 2024 season.
Manager Aaron Boone was candid about his decision, downplaying any immediate concern while recognizing the need for a reset. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone mentioned. "He might get a couple days to reset... mentally, physically," Boone elaborated, emphasizing the broad necessity for a pause.
The last two weeks have been particularly troubling for Torres, whose recent performance boasts a slash line of .108/.222/.324. This dip in form prompted Boone to make the tough call, aimed at giving his second baseman some much-needed respite. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone said, underscoring the importance of this downtime for Torres.
Adding to the Yankees' current woes is a slew of injuries that have beleaguered the roster. Star players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton are already sidelined, putting additional pressure on the remaining squad members. With a record of 52-29, the Yankees still manage to lead the American League East, albeit narrowly, with just a two-game cushion over the Baltimore Orioles.
The predicament is further complicated by the Yankees' recent form, having lost five of their last six and seven of their last nine games. The urgency for a turnaround is apparent, especially considering the timing—with the Mets proving themselves to be formidable opponents, sporting MLB's best record in June at 14-6.
"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 asserted. The sentiment showcases the managerial belief in Torres's potential to be an impactful player when at his best, and the necessity for the team to have him operating at peak performance amid a challenging period.
Torres himself has attributed part of his slump to groin discomfort, shedding some light on the physical strains he's battling. The hope is that a brief hiatus will not only alleviate any physical discomfort but also help Torres recenter mentally, allowing him to return to the lineup revitalized and ready to contribute.
As the Yankees strive to maintain their lead and return to winning ways, the need for all hands on deck is paramount. The pressure mounts on both the coaching staff and the players, each recognizing that collective effort is critical to navigating this rough patch.
Aaron Boone's decision to bench Torres is a calculated risk, one he hopes will pay dividends in the long haul. The coming days will reveal whether this gamble enables Torres to find his form once again, bolstering the Yankees' efforts as they push towards their postseason aspirations.