The New York Yankees found themselves making a crucial lineup change on Wednesday as second baseman Gleyber Torres was benched following a disappointing performance in a vital moment during the previous game. Yankees manager Aaron Boone opted to replace Torres with Oswaldo Cabrera to cover second base as the Yankees concluded their two-game series against the New York Mets.
Struggles at the Plate
Gleyber Torres has been battling a prolonged slump at the plate, currently hitting .215/.294/.333 with only seven home runs over the span of 80 games. These numbers reflect a significant decline in his production, evidenced by an OPS+ of 78, sharply down from his career OPS+ of 114 entering the year. The last two weeks have been particularly rough, with Torres managing a meager .108/.222/.324 slash line.
The underperformance has been exacerbated by a noticeable lack of hustle, which Torres attributed to groin discomfort. This revelation adds another layer to his struggles and raises concerns about his physical condition and overall readiness.
Managerial Decisions and Implications
Aaron Boone’s decision to bench Torres was not taken lightly. "He might get a couple days to reset...mentally, physically," Boone stated, highlighting the importance of giving Torres a chance to recuperate. Boone elaborated on the decision, emphasizing the team's needs: "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."
Despite the manager's reassurances, the timing of this move could not be more critical for the Yankees. Boone acknowledged Torres's current state, saying, "Nothing that's too significant," yet it is clear that the Yankees are taking no chances with one of their key players. "I just feel like he needs it," Boone concluded, underscoring the necessity of prioritizing Torres’s health and performance.
Yankees' Current Performance
As a team, the Yankees are grappling with several challenges. They hold a 52-29 record, maintaining a slim two-game lead over the Orioles in the American League East. However, the team has lost five of their last six and seven of their last nine games. Such a downward trend has put added pressure on every decision made by the coaching staff and players alike.
The Yankees are not just battling performance issues; they are also dealing with injuries to critical players like Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton. These absences have compounded the team's difficulties, creating a precarious situation as they push through the season.
Mets on the Rise
On the other side of city, the New York Mets have been enjoying a strong run, boasting the best record in MLB for June at 14-6. This surge by the Mets only increases the pressure on the Yankees to perform, particularly in intercity matchups like this current series.
The Yankees' ability to stabilize their lineup and improve their performance in the coming weeks will be pivotal. Much depends on whether stars like Gleyber Torres can return to form and deliver the contributions expected of them, especially with the postseason in sight. As Aaron Boone and his staff navigate these turbulent times, the focus remains on recovery, performance, and sustaining the narrow lead they hold in their division.