Gleyber Torres had a fourth-inning single in the Yankees’ 5-3 win over the Rangers Saturday, but he’s still just 10-for-57 in 16 games since returning from the disabled list after a hip injury.
“He’s getting pitches to do some things with and fouling them off,’’ manager Aaron Boone said of the second baseman. “Sometimes that’s the difference when you’re really locked in. I don’t feel like he’s too far off.”
Boone said he liked the fact Torres has drawn 10 walks during that span, but he has been far less effective than he was before the injury that cost him three weeks last month.
Neil Walker made the first start of his career in the outfield Saturday, a day after being unavailable because of a stiff neck and illness. He made a nice running catch in right and Boone said he would continue to be an outfield option.
Walker said his neck felt better Saturday, and with Aaron Hicks getting a day off and Aaron Judge still on the disabled list with a chip fracture in his right wrist, he was needed.
Boone also kept Brett Gardner in left and put Shane Robinson in center because of the vast expanse in left at Yankee Stadium.
“Left field here is such a premium and [Gardner] playing it so well … we just felt left field in our park is on par in importance with center,” Boone said.
It’s hardly what Boone expected at the start of the season.
“You’re gonna go through spots in the season where it’s a little tough and you’re banged up a little bit,’’ he said. “It’s usually inevitable that you face a little adversity that way. Fortunately, our guys have some versatility and [can] show it off right now to make this work as we go through this tough stretch.”
Dellin Betances, who balked in a run, threw 1 ¹/₃ scoreless innings on Saturday and has pitched 10 straight shutout innings.
He also struck out at least one batter for a 28th consecutive appearance, tying Andrew Miller for the longest streak by a reliever in team history.
Gary Sanchez is expected to fly up from Tampa on Sunday and begin more baseball activities in The Bronx on Monday.