Yankees Bench Gleyber Torres Amid Slump
New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself out of the starting lineup on Wednesday following a lackluster performance during a crucial moment in the previous game. Manager Aaron Boone decided to bench Torres, turning to Oswaldo Cabrera to fill the void at second base as the Yankees wrapped up their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Torres's Offensive Struggles
Torres is currently enduring one of the toughest stretches of his career, batting a meager .215/.294/.333 with just seven home runs over 80 games. This offensive downturn has resulted in an OPS+ of 78, a stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114 entering the 2024 season. In the past two weeks, his struggles have been even more pronounced, managing a slash line of .108/.222/.324.
When asked about Torres's recent performances, Boone explained, "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically." He added, "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."
Reasons for the Slump
Torres cited groin discomfort as a contributing factor to his recent lack of hustle. While the exact nature of the injury remains unclear, Boone remarked, "Nothing that's too significant," hinting that the downtime might serve more as a mental and physical reset for the struggling second baseman. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone said.
Team Performance Amid Injuries
The Yankees, currently standing at 52-29, hold a slim two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the tightly contested American League East. However, the team has lost five of its last six games and seven of its last nine, a worrying trend for one of baseball's most storied franchises.
Adding to their woes, the Yankees are dealing with injuries to key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, further complicating Boone's lineup decisions. Stanton's absence, in particular, has left a significant gap in the middle of the batting order, making Torres's underperformance even more glaring.
Meanwhile, their cross-town rivals, the Mets, have surged ahead, boasting MLB's best record in June at 14-6. This stark contrast in fortunes between the two New York teams amplifies the urgency for the Yankees to find solutions to their recent struggles.
Looking Ahead
The question for Boone and his staff now becomes how to best navigate this challenging stretch. Benchings are often risky, especially for a player of Torres's caliber, given the potential for erosion of confidence. However, with Torres needing a mental and physical reset, it is a calculated risk aimed at revitalizing a key piece of their lineup.
As the season progresses, getting Torres back on track will be crucial for the Yankees' postseason aspirations. Boone’s decision to give him a few days off might be the catalyst needed for a resurgence. If Torres can return to his previous form, he will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in their push toward the playoffs.
The spotlight will remain on the Yankees as they address both individual and team challenges in the coming weeks. Whether this strategic benching of Gleyber Torres proves an effective remedy or a mere stopgap will unfold as the season progresses.