Gleyber Torres is preparing to change positions for the Yankees

Gleyber Torres has placed second base most of the season, but the injury to Didi Gregorius is going to force him to move over to help the Yankees.

Didi Gregorius’ ankle injury is causing a lot of upheaval in the Yankees clubhouse. The most obvious thing Aaron Boone needs to figure out is who will play shortstop in his place. Initial reports from New York make it clear Gleyber Torres will be getting the assignment initially.

Torres has played 84 of his 88 games in the majors this season at second base, but it’s important to remember that he played shortstop during the majority of his time in the minors. When the Yankees first acquired him, most scouting services classified him as the to prospect in the game as a shortstop. This isn’t going to be an unfamiliar spot for the talented rookie.

In truth, the organization’s decision to call up Luke Voit should have tipped this move off for everyone. Most fans thought Tyler Wade would get the call to replace Gregorius since he has the ability to play at either second base or short. Voit, in sharp contrast, can only contribute as a first basemen or designated hitter.

As it stands, the Yankees will rely on Torres to play at short and Ronald Torreyes to pick up the baton at first on most days. It’s possible Neil Walker can get some time at second as well, but expect him to be used as more of a utility player as he has all season.

Torres has all of the physical tools necessary to play short at the major league level. He isn’t going to be a gold glover there, but his range and arm strength are at least adequate. He won’t be quite as good as Gregorius has been defensively, but he shouldn’t represent a major downgrade for the club.

Yankees fans should not expect this move to be a harbinger of things to come. Torres may ultimately become the Yankees starting shortstop, but the team is still intent on re-signing Gregorius in the offseason. The only reason an extension hasn’t been reached this season is because of the organization’s commitment to staying under the luxury task. Bringing Gregorius back next season is a huge priority for the team.

In the short-term, the combination of Torres and Torreyes will have to be enough to keep New York’s middle infield afloat. It should be good enough for Yankee fans over the next week or two.