Yankees’ Aaron Boone fires blunt Gleyber Torres message after blunder in loss to Orioles

The New York Yankees fell 7-2 to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday in the series-deciding game between the top two teams in the American League East behind a four-run fifth inning.

Gleyber Torres hit his first home run but also made the Yankees’ third error of the series to help extend the game’s decisive inning.

“He’s got to secure the ball,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said of Torres, who dropped the ball trying to barehand shortstop Anthony Volpe’s feed on a potential double play. “He’s made that play a lot. Didn’t in that spot.”

Torres’ error was the second baseman’s fifth of the season.

Despite the loss, the Yankees did get some good news. New York left fielder Alex Verdugo returned to the lineup and batted sixth after missing three games on the paternity list. He went 1-3 in Thursday’s game.

With the win, the Yankees fell one game behind the Orioles for the American League East lead.

Yankees may switch up lineup

When YES Network asked New York manager Aaron Boone if he would consider flipping Soto and Judge in the lineup, he responded, “We’ll see,” per Chris Kirschner.

The duo struggled to get things going through the entire series against the Orioles. However, Thursday’s 7-2 loss further brought their challenges to light. Soto did have a pair of hits, but Judge only managed a walk in the game.

Perhaps a lineup change can allow the stars to build more momentum as the Yankees get ready to take on the upstart Detroit Tigers.

Soto joined the Yankees via trade during the offseason after a two-year stint with the San Diego Padres. While he has been very good for the Yankees this season, Judge has struggled at the plate.

Soto is coming off a 2023 season where he played a career-high 162 games. So far, he is hitting well in 2024. He bats .331, has hit eight home runs, is responsible for 25 RBI, and holds an OPS of 1.029. Surely, Soto will return strong from his Orioles showing alongside Aaron Judge.

Judge has battled a lingering toe issue stemming from the summer of 2023. Yet, the veteran center fielder looks solid in 2024. His batting average is down at .197, but he has hit six home runs to go with 18 RBI and a .725 OPS.

Judge and Soto are vital to the Yankees’ success in a season that sees them hoping to return to the MLB postseason.

Up next for the Yankees: RHP Marcus Stroman looks to bounce back from a four-inning outing — his shortest of the season — in the opener of a six-game homestand Friday night against the Tigers.