"I feel very sorry... especially for the fans" - Gleyber Torres apologizes for lacking on-field effort that led to Aaron Boone benching him

Aaron Boone took one of his harshest calls as New York Yankees manager after he removed Gleyber Torres during their game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. Boone's decision was triggered by a base running error by the infielder that cost the Yankees a vital run.

In the bottom of the second innings at Yankee Stadium, Torres hit a 110.7 mph line drive to left field. Thinking the ball would go over the fence for a home run, he was slow off the blocks, however, it bounced off the fence and Torres was only able to complete a single.

Things then got worse when two at-bats later, Anthony Volpe hit a presumed double to left field but Gleyber was unable to reach home from first base. The innings ended and the Blue Jays kept their 3-2 lead intact. After playing an inning in defense, Torres was subsequently removed from the game. Boone could be seen giving him a strong rebuke in the dugout before sending out Oswaldo Cabrera to take over at 2B.

After the game, Gleyber Torres responded by realizing his mistake:

"For one second, I thought it was a homer. Unfortunately, it's just a single. I have to get better. I feel really sorry for whatever I [did] tonight, especially for the fans and also for my teammates," Torres said.

Gleyber Torres underperforming in walk year

Talks of the Yankees trading Gleyber Torres have been going around since last offseason after the team failed to sign him before the arbitration deadline. Currently on a one-year, $9.95 million contract, it is expected that the Bronx Bombers will let go of the second baseman heading into free agency.

In his walk year, Torres has slumped to a career-low batting average of .231 and OPS of .631. He has 42 RBIs and 10 home runs so far this season. Moreover, his position within the diamond has been under threat as he has committed 14 errors on the field, the highest for any eligible 2B player.

If Torres can turn things around, the Yankees might still be inclined to sign him, but with backup options like Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the roster, it seems unlikely for now.

The Yankees and Blue Jays face each other again for the second game of their three-game series on Saturday.