Struggles Persist for Yankees' Gleyber Torres
New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres found himself out of the starting lineup on Wednesday, following a string of underwhelming performances, particularly during a critical moment in the previous game. Manager Aaron Boone made the decision to bench Torres, opting to start Oswaldo Cabrera at second base as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Torres' current season statistics reveal a concerning drop in his performance. With a batting line of .215/.294/.333 and just seven home runs over the span of 80 games, Torres is struggling to find his form. His OPS+ stands at 78, a notable decline from his career OPS+ of 114 prior to the 2024 season. These numbers underline the challenges Torres has encountered this season, embodying a broader issue within the Yankees' lineup.
Over the past two weeks, Torres' struggles have been even more pronounced, evidenced by an alarming slash line of .108/.222/.324. His difficulty at the plate has coincided with a troubling phase for the Yankees as a whole, who have lost five of their last six games and seven of their last nine, even as they cling to a narrow two-game lead over the Orioles in the highly competitive American League East.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed the need for Torres to take a step back. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone explained. "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." Boone's emphasis on the necessity for Torres to recover and contribute effectively underscores the urgency of the situation for the Yankees.
Torres himself attributed his lack of hustle and recent slump to groin discomfort. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to his ongoing struggles. While Boone mentioned that the issue is "nothing that's too significant," it remains clear that Torres needs some time to recuperate, both physically and mentally. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone remarked.
The Yankees' struggles are not confined to Torres' performance alone. The team is currently grappling with key injuries, including those to Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, which have further strained their lineup. Their latest skid has put additional pressure on the remaining healthy players to step up and fill the void.
Meanwhile, the New York Mets have been in exceptional form, boasting the best record in Major League Baseball for the month of June at 14-6. This adds a contrasting backdrop to the Yankees' recent woes, highlighting the varied fortunes of the two New York teams.
As the Yankees strive to overcome these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring that key players like Torres regain their form. The team’s ability to maintain their lead in the AL East amid these adversities will be crucial in determining their prospects for the remainder of the season. Despite the recent setbacks, the organization's history of resilience and high expectations from their fan base will drive efforts to turn their fortunes around.