In a surprising move, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided to leave second baseman Gleyber Torres out of the lineup for Wednesday's much-anticipated game against the Mets. This decision comes on the heels of Torres' noticeable failure to run out a critical late-inning ground ball during the previous night's contest.
Stepping into Torres' shoes was Oswaldo Cabrera, who assumed the position usually occupied by the 27-year-old. Boone's decision, while unexpected, signals a need to address Torres' recent performance struggles and ensure his long-term health, especially given the current condition of the Yankees roster.
Torres' Underwhelming 2024 Season
For the 2024 season, Torres has managed a disappointing .215/.294/.333 slash line, with only seven home runs in 80 games. These numbers translate to an OPS+ of 78, a sharp decline from his career OPS+ of 114 coming into the season. Torres' recent performance over the last two weeks has been especially concerning, as he has slashed a mere .108/.222/.324.
When asked about his failure to run out the ground ball, Torres attributed it to groin discomfort. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to Boone's decision, as ensuring Torres' health is paramount at this stage of the season.
Yankees' Current Roster Challenges
The Yankees, already without key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, are navigating a pressing schedule. Despite entering Wednesday's showdown with an impressive record of 52-29 and holding a two-game lead over the Orioles in the AL East race, the team has hit a rough patch. The Yankees have lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine, highlighting the urgency of getting key contributions from players like Torres.
Boone expressed this sentiment clearly: "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 Mets' Momentum
Taking on the Yankees, the Mets have proven themselves to be formidable opponents, boasting the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6. This underscores the significance of Boone's decision to bench Torres and the broader imperative of reigniting his bat for the team's success.
Looking Ahead
As the Yankees navigate this challenging period, the focus is on ensuring the health of their roster and rejuvenating the performance of key players. Torres, given his potential and past performance, is critical to the Yankees' aspirations this season. His ability to bounce back will significantly influence the team's chances in tightly contested AL East race.
With Oswaldo Cabrera stepping in and other players being called to rise to the occasion, the upcoming games will reveal if the Yankees can regain their footing. As the season progresses, the contributions from players like Torres will determine if the team can maintain its leading position and contend for ultimate glory.
The baseball world watches closely as Boone and his squad navigate these turbulent waters, hopeful that strategic decisions like benching Torres will pave the way for a resurgence.