After getting snubbed for this year’s All-Star Game, New York Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres got named as an alternate to make his second consecutive All-Star teams. Torres, 22, joined Hall of Famers and Yankees legends Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle as the only Yanks to Make two All-Star squads before they turned 23-years old.
Torres did not make the initial cut as an injury alternate even though he’s hitting .294 with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs. However, when 2B Brandon Lowe went on the IL with a left leg injury and Torres finally got the call.
Torres joins teammates Gary Sanchez, DJ LeMahieu, and Aroldis Chapman as members of the American League in the 2019 All-Star Game. This year’s contest will be held at Jacobs Field in Cleveland.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Gleyber Torres. “I’m super excited. I can’t wait to go to Cleveland and play for the first time.”
Last year, Torres got named to the All-Star team but did not play because he was injured at the time. Although this is his second nod, it will be the first time he suits up.
About Time
Torres did not say anything on social media or in the press about his snub. He’s only 22 but old school in that regard. His manager and teammates were irked about the snub and didn’t mince words when asked about it.
“It’s a joke that he’s not on that team,” said manager Aaron Boone. “Gleyber Torres not an All Star? You can kick rocks on that one. That’s ridiculous. He’s been unbelievable for us, a first-place club. The offensive consistency he’s had, the power, the on base, the playing both positions in the middle infield. It doesn’t seem right to me that he’s not on that team.”
“About time,” said teammate Aaron Judge once Torres got the nod as an injury replacement.
Judge still marvels at advanced Torres is for his age compared to when he was 22 and just a year out of college and struggling in AA ball
Mickey, Joe, and Gleyber
Anytime you get yourself on the same list of Yankees legends, you’re doing something right. Torres made his second All-Star game in his second season.
“At 22, he has two under his belt,” said manager Aaron Boone.
Torres joined a special club of young Yanks that got recognized for their excellence on a league-wide scale. Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio are the only two other members of the team that were named to two All-Star teams before they turned 23.
Torres posted excellent numbers on a team riddled with injuries in the first half. No fewer than 21 members of the Yanks were on the IL. He slashed at .294/.361./.536 with 19 home runs in 79 games.
Torres even switched positions and covered for Did Gregorius at shortstop for most of the first half with 57 starts at short. When Gregorius returned, Torres seamlessly moved over to second base where he started 19 games.
“The game comes so easy to him,” added Boone. “He has been conscientious on every aspect of the game.”
Mantle, 20 during his first All-Star stint, only hit 23 home runs in 1952. Torres hit 24 in 2018 in 21 fewer games.