Yankees’ starting infielder leaves game early with injury

MLB: Detroit Tigers at New York Yankees, gleyber torres
Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The one thing the Yankees can’t sustain is more injuries, and losing Gleyber Torres on Friday evening against the Boston Red Sox certainly wasn’t ideal. Torres was legging out an infield single in the fourth inning when he felt pain in his right leg, eventually being diagnosed with a right groin injury.

Initial Prognosis Appears Positive

Fortunately, the team examined the injury, and there are no plans for further imaging, so it seems as though the injury may not be overly concerning.

The Yankees Need More From Torres

Despite the fact that Torres is having one of his worst seasons as a professional, the 27-year-old is still an important piece of the offense, and anything behind him is sure to be worse.

MLB: Chicago White Sox at New York Yankees, gleyber torres
Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Over 86 games, Torres is hitting just .221/.295/.343, including eight homers and 33 RBIs, with a 22.9% strikeout rate and 9.1% walk rate. He’s been just as concerning defensively, hosting -3 defensive runs saved and a .966 fielding percentage, the worst in his career.

Potential Replacement from Within

The Yankees could pivot to 23-year-old prospect Jorbit Vivas, who is currently in Triple-A. Over 32 games, Vivas is hitting .259/.400/.397, including three homers and 16 RBIs, with a 115 wRC+. He’s a solid defender at second base and offers the Yankees another lefty bat with some underrated power.

Vivas hosts an 18.9% strikeout rate and a 16.2% walk rate with Scranton this season, suggesting he could transition nicely to the MLB. In fact, he has recorded a hit in 10 of his last 11 games, including a two-hit performance with two doubles and two runs on July 4.

Looking Ahead: Trade Deadline Considerations

At this rate, the Yankees will be eyeing reinforcements at the trade deadline in late July, but hopefully, Torres will avoid a major injury and have a clear path to return in a few days.

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