Boone Benches Torres: Yankees' Second Baseman Remains Out of Lineup Amid Struggles
In a move that underscores the urgency of their current situation, 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. This decision follows Torres' failure to run out a critical late-inning ground ball during Tuesday's game, an omission he attributed to groin discomfort.
The responsibility of covering Torres' usual position fell to Oswaldo Cabrera, as the Yankees continue to seek dependable production from their infield amidst a challenging stretch of games.
At 27 years old, Torres is enduring a perplexing season, batting a meager .215/.294/.333 with seven home runs in 80 games. His numbers this year translate to an OPS+ of 78, a stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114 coming into the season. The downturn is even more pronounced over the past two weeks, during which Torres has slashed a dismal .108/.222/.324.
The Yankees, currently without the services of key players Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, are grappling with a pressing schedule and lean on contributions from players like Torres. Aaron Boone emphasized the need for Torres to rebound, saying, "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 Yankees entered Wednesday's contest with a commendable record of 52-29, holding a precarious two-game lead over the Orioles in the AL East race. However, the team's recent form is cause for concern, having lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine. The Mets, on the other hand, boast the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6, intensifying the challenge for Boone's squad.
Ensuring Torres' health and reigniting his bat are pivotal for the Yankees' aspirations this season. Every upcoming game is critical, and there's little room for error. Boone's decision to sit Torres, while strategic, also serves as a stark message about the expectations and pressures that come with wearing the pinstripes.
The situation calls for immediate and significant improvement from Torres if the Yankees are to maintain their lead in the division and make a serious push for the postseason. The next few weeks will determine whether Torres can overcome his current struggles and reestablish himself as a reliable performer in the Yankees' lineup.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Boone manages his roster amid injuries and slumps, and whether Torres can respond to the challenge and contribute meaningfully to the Yankees’ quest for another championship. For now, the ball is in Torres' court to prove his mettle and help steer his team toward better results.