New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a noteworthy decision ahead of Wednesday's game against the Mets, opting to leave second baseman Gleyber Torres out of the lineup. This decision came in the wake of Torres' failure to run out a critical late-inning ground ball during the prior game. Oswaldo Cabrera filled in at Torres' usual position, as the 27-year-old second baseman's recent performances have raised concerns.
Torres has cited groin discomfort for his lack of hustle on the field. Despite this explanation, Boone’s decision indicates a need for immediate and significant improvement from the once-consistent player. Torres' recent statistics underscore Boone's reasoning; he's struggled over the last two weeks, slashing a meager .108/.222/.324.
For the 2024 season, Torres is batting a disappointing .215/.294/.333 with just seven home runs in 80 games. These numbers translate to an OPS+ of 78, a marked decline from his career OPS+ of 114 leading into the season. The need for his resurgence is more pressing given the Yankees' current challenges on the roster.
The Yankees' Recent Struggles
The Yankees are currently missing the contributions of key players such as Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, which puts even more pressure on players like Torres to step up. As the Yankees find themselves in a tough stretch, having lost five of their last six games and seven out of their last nine, there’s a heightened sense of urgency within the team. Despite this, they hold a strong overall record of 52-29 and maintain a two-game lead over the Orioles in the AL East race. However, their recent performance could jeopardize their hold on the division.
Managerial Perspective
Yankees manager Aaron Boone emphasized the need for Torres to improve and become a significant contributor to the lineup. "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 stated.
Boone's comments reflect a critical juncture for Torres and the team alike. With a pressing schedule ahead, ensuring Torres' health and reigniting his bat are essential to the Yankees’ aspirations this season. The team cannot afford to have one of its key players underperforming, especially with the current roster already thin due to injuries.
The Mets’ Rise
The Yankees' intra-city rivals, the Mets, have been on an impressive run, boasting the best record in Major League Baseball for June with a 14-6 mark. This only heightens the stakes for the Yankees, as they face a formidable opponent with momentum on their side.
The Yankees' need for contributions from Torres and others who have struggled recently cannot be overstated. Every game in this rigorous phase of the season counts significantly, something Boone and the rest of the organization are acutely aware of.
As the Yankees aim to break out of their recent slump and solidify their position in the AL East, all eyes will be on Torres to see if he can overcome his current struggles and return to form. The immediate challenge for Boone and the coaching staff will be to manage Torres’ health while extracting peak performance out of him during this critical period.
With the season at a crucial midpoint, the Yankees' success may well hinge on Torres' ability to turn things around and become the presence in the lineup that Boone and the team need him to be.