New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself on the bench on Wednesday, a decision that came after a lackluster performance during a critical moment in the previous game. This move, made by Manager Aaron Boone, signifies a shift in the Yankees' approach as they strive to maintain their lead in the tightly contested American League East.
Struggles at the Plate
Gleyber Torres's numbers this season have been a far cry from his previous performances. Currently batting .215/.294/.333 with just seven home runs over 80 games, his OPS+ has dropped to 78, a significant decrease from his career OPS+ of 114 entering 2024. The recent weeks have been particularly troubling for Torres, who has posted a dismal slash line of .108/.222/.324 over the past two weeks. This decline in performance comes at a time when the Yankees need all hands on deck to fend off their division rivals.
Boone's Decision
Aaron Boone's decision to bench Torres was not taken lightly. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone explained. Recognizing Torres's value to the team, Boone emphasized, "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."
The manager acknowledged the significance of his choice, indicating that Torres's exclusion from the lineup was a move designed to benefit both the player and the team. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone added, pointing towards a possible physical discomfort that Torres himself attributed to groin issues, which may have impacted his recent performance.
Yankees' Current Standing
The Yankees, holding a 52-29 record, maintain a slim two-game lead over the Orioles in the AL East. However, the team has been struggling, losing five of their last six and seven of their last nine games. Injuries to pivotal players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton have further complicated their situation.
As the Yankees aim to stabilize and regain their winning form, the decision to bench Torres could be seen as a strategic move to recharge one of their crucial players. In Torres's absence, Oswaldo Cabrera was tasked with filling the void at second base as the Yankees faced the New York Mets to wrap up their two-game series.
The Mets on a Roll
The timing of Torres's benching coincides with a strong performance by the Mets, who boast MLB's best record in June at 14-6. This context highlights the challenges Boone and the Yankees face as they navigate this critical juncture of the season. Winning games against a red-hot Mets team without some of their key players is no small feat, but it's a challenge the Yankees must rise to if they hope to sustain their lead in the division.
In this tumultuous period, the Yankees will need to lean on every player on their roster, including Gleyber Torres, to weather the storm and emerge as strong contenders for postseason success. Boone's strategy, though bold, underscores the importance of mental and physical resets for athletes enduring the long and grueling baseball season. As Torres takes his time to regroup, the Yankees, and their fans, will hope to see him return to his formidable form, contributing significantly to the team's efforts down the stretch.