Starlin Castro has 97 hits in 79 games and has been on the disabled list twice with hamstring problems. So it’s easy to play with the numbers and deduce that had the second baseman avoided injuries he would have come very close to a second 200-hit season.

That type of offensive production from a second baseman is a big plus for a lineup, but when Castro returns from the DL he will replace Ronald Torreyes who has been sensational filling in at two key positions this season.

First, it was at shortstop for Didi Gregorius whose season didn’t start until April 28 due to a shoulder problem. Then it was twice for Castro. And while Castro is the better all-around hitter, Torreyes is a sure-handed infielder with an accurate arm, solid range and far from the automatic out a lot of utility infielders are.

“I am super happy for the opportunity the team has given me, happy the manager has trusted me to do the job,’’ said the 5-foot-8 Torreyes, who is hitting .284 (77-for-271) in 89 games. “I am very happy to do the little things, get a bunt down and getting the runner over. That makes me happy to help win some ballgames.’’

Torreyes, who has started 35 games at second, 23 at short and 15 at third, has done much more than sacrificing and moving runners.

“He keeps things simple, he puts the bat on the ball,’’ third base coach Joe Espada, who doubles as the infield coach, said of Torreyes, who has struck out 39 times. “He understands his game and gives us a chance to score runs.’’

With 271 at-bats, a lot for a utility infielder, Torreyes has been invaluable but understands when Castro returns, possibly this week, he will go back to being the backup at third, short and second.

“That won’t be difficult at all. I will go back to the utility role and keep doing my work,’’ said Torreyes, a regular at the early batting-practice sessions where he takes ground balls at three infield positions. “I am actually excited that Castro is coming back. That’s what we need for the team.’’

Aaron Judge’s well publicized slump has provided shade for other Yankees whose wood has gone cold.

Before going on the DL with an abductor muscle problem on June 26, Aaron Hicks was in a 3-for-25 (.120) slide and it has continued since returning Aug. 10. In 11 games since the switch-hitting Hicks is batting .156 (7-for-45). Combined the two slumps are 10-for-70 (.143).

While Gary Sanchez has hit four homers in his last six games and has driven in six runs in the last four tilts it has been a case of all or nothing for the catcher who has three hits in his last 20 at-bats (.150).

Greg Bird and Castro were scheduled to continue their minor league rehab assignments Monday night for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.