The Yankees are still confident that Gleyber Torres will be able to turn into a reliable shortstop, but the Venezuelan had a difficult first week in this position. Torres made two mistakes, including a poor throw to first base in extra innings at the end of the New York series against the Orioles, allowing Baltimore to run ahead in the eventual loss of New York.
Reliever Chad Green set up Pedro Severino to hit the field with Torres, who looked like it would be the end of the half, but the defender hit a shot that went back to first baseman Jay Bruce. An experienced first baseman could have caught the ball, but Bruce had not yet adjusted to this position. The ball escaped and the Venezuelan Anthony Santander scored.
“He has the ability to go out there and do that,” said Bomber manager Aaron Boone. “When you make a crucial mistake or something like that, you have to know how to overcome it. And the good thing about Gleyber Torres is that he’s a great player. He worked on his craft, he has the tools to continue to have good results in the end.
Torres frequently worked with field coach Carlos Mendoza to improve his progress at the break, which praised his commitment and pre-season conditioning. However, general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged that Torres is forming best as a second baseman. Possibly the best defense on the field would be with Tyler Wade shortly after in the games, rather than sending DJ LeMahieu to first base.
“During spring training, I trained pretty well,” Torres said this week. “I try to focus on each play, on each half. I feel good. I feel confident. “