Yankees little man continues to make a significant impact

The Yankees current second baseman is one of the smallest players in the Major Leagues. Despite his small stature, he has proven to be one of the most important players for the Yankees in 2017.

For Yankees fans, he isn’t the star of the team. He isn’t a household name. He hides, both physically and literally, in the shadows of his much larger teammates.

The five foot eight inch, 151 pound Ronald Torreyes is one of the smallest players in the Major Leagues. He hasn’t let his lack of physical attributes stop him from being one most important players on one of baseballs best teams. He’s also played more than 15 games at the three different positions, third, second and shortstop, allowing versatility for Joe Girardi.

A long journey to get here

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The Cincinnati Reds first signed Torreyes out of Venezuela in 2010. Since, he has bounced around and spent time with the minor league teams of the Cubs, Astros Blue Jays, and Dodgers. The Dodgers traded Torreyes to the Yankees in December of 2016 and has played at the Major League level since.

Ronald Torreyes wasn’t supposed to be an everyday starter. But with Didi Gregorius and Starlin Castro going down with injuries, he was able to step up. He has hit to an impressive .299/.316/.381 slash line over his 91 games. He has driven in 35 runs and scored 29, most of which from the nine spot in the lineup.

“Big Toe” looks bigger than life

Torreyes is one of the most fundamentally sound players in the Major Leagues. His .986 fielding percentage is fifth best on the Yankees. He knows his role on the team, puts the ball in play, and makes plays when needed to. He is up there to get on base, make plays, and help fill in where needed.

The utility man is a trade long forgotten in Major League Baseball. There aren’t a lot of them left, but Torreyes is keeping it alive. He has started more than 15 “Big Toe” Comes Up Big

Aside from being a great player, Torreyes is loved by his teammates. Dubbed “Big Toe,” Torreyes’ Yankees teammates love poking fun at his height, which he embraces. Whenever Aaron Judge hits a home run, Ronald is lifted in the air to get to eye level and deliver a high five. He has brought a lot of humor and joy to the Yankees clubhouse, something that they needed.

Girardi knows what he is going to get out of the 24-year-old Torreyes. A hungry, humble ballplayer is willing to do whatever it takes to help his ball club win. He doesn’t want to be in the spotlight, he just wants to win ballgames, and certainly has been a key piece.

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Ronald Torreyes has been one of the under-looked stars of this Yankees team and will look to continue his breakout season.

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