New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a notable decision by leaving second baseman Gleyber Torres out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the New York Mets. This decision followed Torres’ failure to run out a key late-inning ground ball in a recent game, which he attributed to groin discomfort.
As Torres, 27, deals with this setback, Oswaldo Cabrera stepped in to take over his usual position. The move raises questions about Torres' current form and the impact on the team’s overall performance.
The 2024 season has not been kind to Torres so far. He’s batting just .215/.294/.333 with seven home runs over 80 games. His numbers result in an OPS+ of 78, a significant drop from his career OPS+ of 114 coming into the season. Moreover, his struggles have deepened over the last two weeks, with a slash line of .108/.222/.324. These numbers underscore the urgency for Torres to regain his form, especially as the Yankees navigate a challenging schedule.
Boone’s decision to sideline Torres not only highlights the player's current struggles but also the strategic maneuvers required to keep the team competitive. Boone emphasized the importance of Torres’ role, stating, “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 timing is crucial as the Yankees find themselves battling injuries to other key players. Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton are both sidelined, further stressing the need for productive contributions from other team members. The Yankees entered Wednesday’s showdown with a 52-29 record, maintaining a two-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the AL East race. Despite this strong standing, the team has hit a rough patch, losing seven of their last nine games.
In contrast, the Mets have been surging, boasting the best record in Major League Baseball for June with a 14-6 run. This performance adds heat to the Subway Series, making the absence of Torres and the performance of his replacements all the more critical.
Torres’ health and performance are not just minor issues for the Yankees; these factors could play a decisive role in their postseason aspirations. As Boone continues to navigate through a dense schedule and a shorthanded roster, the hope is that Torres can recover physically and mentally to regain his form at the plate. “We need him to be a presence,” Boone reiterated, underscoring the weight on Torres’ shoulders.
The Yankees are in a pressing stretch, with every game carrying significant weight for maintaining and potentially extending their lead in the division. If Torres can work through his groin injury and rectify his form, he could well become the pivotal player Boone needs. Until then, the Yankees will have to rely on the depth of their roster and the ability of players like Cabrera to step up when it matters most.
With a challenging schedule ahead and a roster currently riddled with injuries, ensuring Torres' health and reigniting his bat will be critical for the Yankees. The coming weeks will test not just Torres but also Boone’s management and the resilience of the entire squad. Boasting a history of stepping up in high-pressure situations, the Yankees will need to draw on every ounce of that experience as they attempt to turn their season around and push towards October success.