NEW YORK _ That Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres was originally passed over for selection to this year's AL All-Star team was hard enough for his manager to comprehend.
But after two more AL reserves were named as injury replacements, Aaron Boone didn't hide his displeasure at the selection system.
"Yeah, I think it's a joke that he's not on that team," Boone said before Wednesday's Subway Series finale against the Mets at Citi Field.
"You can kick rocks on that one, that's ridiculous," Boone said of Torres, who made the All-Star team as a rookie last year. "He's been unbelievable for us, for a first-place club."
Yet, Torres still has a path to make Tuesday's All-Star Game at Cleveland.
After being named as one of the injury replacements, Tampa Bay infielder Brandon Lowe suffered a bruised lower right leg and was on crutches after the Rays' Tuesday night game. He's due to be re-evaluated on Thursday.
Torres, 22, entered Wednesday batting .295 with 19 homers and 48 RBIs in 77 games, having filled in for shortstop Didi Gregorius (recovery from Tommy John surgery) before sliding back to second base.
Boone cited Torres' "offensive consistency" and power and his contributions in playing both middle infield positions as undeniable All-Star qualifications.
"It doesn't seem right to me that he's not on that team," Boone said.
Torres hadn't initially expressed public disappointment, though Boone made sure to chat personally with Torres and Luke Voit on Sunday morning at London when the All-Star reserves were named.
"Just let them know that I thought they were certainly deserving, but they weren't going to be on the team," said Boone.
Voit landed on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday, due to an abdominal strain, and would not have been available to play.
The Yankees currently have the AL's best record, but only have three All-Star representatives in second baseman DJ LeMahieu, catcher Gary Sanchez _ both of whom are starting _ and closer Aroldis Chapman.
On Wednesday, LeMahieu was named the AL's Player of the Month for June.
"I don't know," Boone said of why Torres has been repeatedly passed over.
"Look, I know there's all kinds of players and coaches vote and fan voting," Boone said. "And obviously every team needs to be represented.
"There's a lot of moving parts that make it difficult and ultimately every year you're going to have guys who are certainly deserving that don't get in that game.
"But the Gleyber one is one of those that's a head-scratcher for me."
