New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made the tough decision to leave second baseman Gleyber Torres out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets, a move that underscores the significance of the Yankees' current struggles and the crucial need for key players to deliver.
Torres, 27, found himself on the bench a day after failing to run out a key late-inning ground ball, citing groin discomfort as the reason for his sluggishness. This incident seemed to be the tipping point for Boone, who handed Torres' spot in the lineup to Oswaldo Cabrera.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Torres' absence comes during a season where his performance has fallen below expectations. Through the 2024 season, Torres is batting a disappointing .215/.294/.333 with seven home runs in 80 games. These numbers translate to an OPS+ of 78, a stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114 coming into the season. His recent slump has been particularly severe, slashing .108/.222/.324 over the last two weeks.
Manager's Perspective
Yankees manager Aaron Boone didn't mince words about the importance of Torres finding his form. "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. This statement highlights the broader context of the team's current predicament and the pivotal role Torres is expected to play.
Yankees Struggling Amidst Injuries
The Yankees, who face an intense and pressing schedule, are already without key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton. The loss of Torres' offensive contributions only compounds their issues. The team entered Wednesday's showdown with a 52-29 record, holding a two-game lead over the Orioles in the AL East race. However, recent form has been concerning, as the Yankees have lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine.
Mets on the Rise
Adding to the Yankees' woes, they faced the Mets, who boast the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6. The contrast in form could not be starker, with the Yankees needing contributions from players like Torres more than ever. Ensuring Torres' health and reigniting his bat is critical to the Yankees’ aspirations this season.
Conclusion
Gleyber Torres' benching is a telling indicator of the Yankees' current challenges and the high stakes involved in their quest for a successful season. With Boone's clear expectations and the team's urgent need for offensive stability, all eyes will be on Torres to see if he can overcome his struggles and contribute meaningfully down the stretch.