THE TOE

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Standing at 5'8", next to the likes of Dellin Betances and Aaron Judge, Ronald Torreyes looks tiny. He kind of looks out of place in the world of big men. Yet his play this year has been huge! He has really stepped up when Didi Gregorius and Starlin Castro have been on the DL. As this piece from NJ.com suggests, Torreyes has emerged into a vital player for the New York Yankees.

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"Torreyes has found himself starting more often in the past five weeks after second baseman Starlin Castro went on the DL with a hamstring injury, and he also played significant time in April when shortstop Didi Gregorius was out with a shoulder injury.

The Yankees have asked a lot from the infielder, and he continues to deliver.

'You watch his defense and the little things he does,' manager Joe Girardi said. 'He's able to bunt, he's able to run. He can play anywhere in the infield. He's been big for us this year because he's filled in some pretty big roles. You lose your shortstop for four weeks, you lose Castro for four or five weeks. He's been important.'"

Source: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images North America

Ronald Torreyes shows up to the park every day ready to do whatever Girardi asks him to do. He's ready for anything, whether it be 2nd base, 3rd base, or shortstop. It doesn't matter, he is prepared to do it and gives it his all. Even when he's not in the game he is there cheering on his teammates and looks like he is having fun doing it. Because of this, he has turned into one of my favorite players.

Now in his third MLB season, Torreyes already has a career high in games at 85, where he has hit .293 with three home runs and 31 RBI. He has played second base, shortstop and third base, while also making a brief trip to right field in one game.

I find it quite amusing that in 2017 on a team full of guys that can hit bombs, Torreyes is the one that hit the first one of the 2017 season. Look, he is not a superstar or player to build a team around. Yet every team needs a player like him. The good old-fashioned grinder that can do it all. The guy that doesn't do any one thing in particular, but can do what needs to be done when called upon.

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Writer
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