Yankees: Gleyber Torres to DL should be Brandon Drury’s time to shine

With Gleyber Torres heading to the 10-day DL with a right hip strain, the Yankees should let Brandon Drury get all the at-bats in his place and stay away from using Neil Walker at all costs.

Though the Yankees 6-2 victory over the Braves was highlighted by home runs from Giancarlo Stanton (21), Aaron Judge (24) and Kyle Higashioka (3 ML hits, all homers), the big news of the day came in an upsetting form.

Leading contender for the AL Rookie of the Year Award and potential All-Star, Gleyber Torres was placed on the 10-day DL with a right hip strain after being forced to leave Wednesday’s action in the top of the fifth inning.

Torres, who has been reportedly fighting nagging pain over the past few days, even missing Tuesday’s contest, currently leads all rookies with 42 RBIs and is second in home runs with 15.

With 11 games to be played in 10 days (there is a day/night doubleheader versus the Orioles on July 9), Torres is expected to be activated when the Yankees re-enter play on the 20th vs. the Mets.

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The possibility remains that if selected, Torres could very well play in the All-Star Game on July 17. After all, the 21-year-old is slashing .293/.353/.560 in 216 at-bats.

In the meantime, manager Aaron Boone needs to fill a vital spot in the lineup with anyone not named Neil Walker.

On the season, the Spring Training signee is slashing .188/.267/.527 with two home runs and 15 RBI in 170 at-bats.

Though the Yankees continue to play the veteran Walker over the recently promoted Brandon Drury, I don’t understand why — especially since Drury can play all the positions Walker does.

In Walker’s past 15 games, he’s a putrid 3-for-36 (.083 BA and .195 OBP) with zero home runs, one RBI and 15 strikeouts.

Enough is enough with Walker. He’s owed a little over $2 million from the $4 million, one-year contract Cashman bestowed upon him in spring, but the time has come to cut ties. At this point all Walker is doing is taking up a much-needed roster spot.

Though the Yankees may make a roster move and promote either Tyler Wade or fan favorite Ronald Torreyes, both would primarily fill a backup role. Now is the perfect time to get the 25-year-old Drury ample at-bats to prove he belongs in this potent Yankee lineup.

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Just 1-for-6 since being recalled on June 30 from Triple-A Scranton, having Greg Bird play first base and Drury at second will not only allow Drury everyday plate appearances without the worry of being benched but it’ll give Yankee brass more time to decide if Bird can put together some semblance of consistency before the all-important second-half begins.

With Gleyber Torres heading to the 10-day DL with a right hip strain, the Yankees should let Brandon Drury get all the at-bats in his place and stay away from using Neil Walker at all costs.

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