Boone Benches Torres After Base-Running Lapse
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made the surprising decision to leave second baseman Gleyber Torres out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Mets. This move comes in the wake of Torres' failure to sprint out a critical late-inning ground ball the previous day. Stepping into Torres' usual position was Oswaldo Cabrera.
The 27-year-old Torres, who has been underperforming this season, might find the benching a clarion call to refocus. Boone didn't mince words about Torres' slump and its impact on the team.
"We need him to go. We need him to get going, especially through this stretch," Boone emphasized. "We need him to be a presence in the middle of our lineup. We've got to get that out of him."
Struggles at the Plate
For the 2024 season, Torres is batting a disappointing .215/.294/.333 with seven home runs across 80 games. His declining performance translates to an OPS+ of 78, a stark contrast to his career OPS+ of 114 prior to this season. Over the past two weeks, the second baseman has struggled immensely, posting a slash line of .108/.222/.324.
Torres attributed his sluggish pace in running out the ground ball to discomfort in his groin. This admission adds another layer to the Yankees' concerns, especially in light of their recent performance and current injury list.
Yankees' Current Woes
The Yankees entered Wednesday's game with a respectable record of 52-29, holding a two-game lead over the Orioles in the AL East race. Despite their strong overall standing, the team has been stumbling lately, losing five of their last six games and seven of their last nine. This downturn can't come at a more critical time as they face a packed schedule while missing key players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton.
The Mets, on the other hand, boast the best record in Major League Baseball for June at 14-6, compounding the Yankees' challenges. In such a tight race, the contributions of players like Torres become all the more essential.
Boone's Bold Call
Boone's decision to bench Torres signals a sense of urgency. The Yankees manager is clearly looking to reignite Torres' bat and ensure his physical health for the demanding days ahead. "Ensuring Torres' health and reigniting his bat are critical to the Yankees’ aspirations this season," Boone reiterated. With a pressing schedule looming, Boone knows that every game counts.
Resting Torres might come off as a gamble, but it could also serve as the wake-up call the second baseman needs. By sidelining him, Boone hopes to convey the message that every player's contribution is indispensable and that the team needs Torres at his best if they are to maintain their lead in the AL East.
Boone's strategy may float or flounder based on the upcoming results. The Yankees entered the Mets game with the knowledge that every win is crucial in this tightly contested season. Giving Torres the chance to recuperate may prove beneficial in the long run, potentially getting him back into the form that saw his career OPS+ rise to 114 before this troubling season.
Crucial Times Ahead
As the Yankees push through critical games, Boone's leadership and decisions will be under the microscope. Benchings like Torres' highlight the tough choices a manager has to make to balance immediate performance with long-term health and success. The Yankees are striving to maintain their edge in the AL East, relying heavily on each player's ability to step up when called upon.
Whether Torres can return to form and be the impactful presence Boone envisions remains to be seen. For now, the Yankees will have to navigate their pressing schedule, hoping that resting Torres pays dividends as they fight to stay ahead in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.