Yankees Manager Aaron Boone Benches Gleyber Torres Amid Ongoing Struggles
In a move that underscores the New York Yankees' urgent need to turn their season around, manager Aaron Boone made the surprising decision to leave second baseman Gleyber Torres out of the lineup for Wednesday's crucial game against the Mets. The decision followed a disheartening performance from Torres, who failed to run out a key late-inning ground ball the previous day, a lapse he later attributed to groin discomfort.
With Oswaldo Cabrera stepping in to fill Torres' usual position, Boone's decision reflects growing concerns over the young infielder's recent performance both at the plate and in the field. Torres, who is 27, has struggled considerably this season, batting a mere .215/.294/.333 with seven home runs across 80 games, translating to an OPS+ of just 78. This stands in stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114, underscoring his decline from his previous form.
"We need him to go," Boone stressed. "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."
Torres' slump has been particularly pronounced over the last two weeks, a period during which he has hit an alarming .108/.222/.324. These struggles come at a challenging time for the Yankees, who are currently missing key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton due to injuries. The team needs all hands on deck to maintain their precarious position at the top of the AL East, where they hold a narrow two-game lead over the Orioles.
The Yankees' record of 52-29 entering Wednesday's game masks a troubling recent trend: they've lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine. These results highlight a critical need for contributions from players like Torres, whose health and offensive resurgence are vital to the team’s aspirations this season.
This urgency is underlined by the Mets' impressive form, boasting the best record in Major League Baseball for the month of June at 14-6. Their performance adds an extra layer of rivalry and pressure, magnifying the importance of every game and every player on the Yankees roster.
The Yankees’ pressing schedule and recent dip in form make Torres' return to full health and productivity not just desirable but essential. Boone’s decision to bench Torres, while difficult, signifies a proactive stance—prioritizing the player's long-term health and the team's short-term needs.
As the Yankees navigate this critical juncture in their season, the focus will remain sharply on players like Torres to step up and contribute meaningfully. His ability to recover and perform will be closely watched, as the team needs his presence in the middle of their lineup to turn around their recent slump.
The next few games will be telling, not just for Torres but for a Yankees team striving to regain its early-season dominance and fortify its standing in the fiercely competitive AL East.