New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself notably absent from the starting lineup on Wednesday, a decision influenced by his recent lackluster performance at a critical juncture in the season. Manager Aaron Boone opted to bench Torres in favor of Oswaldo Cabrera as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Torres’s current batting statistics are concerning, sitting at .215/.294/.333 with only seven home runs over 80 games. This performance yields an OPS+ of 78, a stark decline from his career OPS+ of 114 entering the 2024 season. Adding to the dismal picture, Torres’s output over the past two weeks has been particularly troubling, as evidenced by a slash line of .108/.222/.324.
Boone addressed the media, offering insight into his decision. "Nothing that's too significant," Boone remarked, addressing any underlying injury concerns. However, Boone elaborated on his rationale, stating, "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically. 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, "I just feel like he needs it."
Torres himself mentioned that his lack of hustle was due to groin discomfort, an issue that evidently impacted his on-field performance. While injuries are a part of the game, Torres’s struggles coincide with the Yankees' broader challenges. Despite holding a 52-29 record, the team has seen its lead over the Orioles in the American League East narrow to just two games. Adding to their woes, the Yankees have lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine.
Injury concerns are not isolated to Torres. Critical players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton have also been sidelined, further exacerbating the team's performance struggles. The timing couldn't be worse, as the New York Mets have been performing exceptionally well, boasting the best record in MLB for June at 14-6.
As the Yankees navigate this challenging period, the hope is that a brief reset for Torres will reignite his performance and, in turn, bolster the team's efforts as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the division. Boone's confidence in Torres’s ability to rebound highlights the importance of mental and physical rest during such grueling stretches of the season. The days ahead will reveal if this strategic move pays off, both for Torres and the Yankees.