Blue Jays' Jeff Hoffman candid in interview on blown save, Louis Varland's performance in win over Brewers
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The Toronto Blue Jays have Louis Varland as their high-leverage setup guy, and Jeff Hoffman as their closer.
Should the roles be reversed?
Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman reflected on a tough outing Tuesday night, along with Louis Varland’s key relief performance, following the team’s 9–7 extra-inning victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Hoffman was unable to secure the save, surrendering two runs on two hits and issuing three walks while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning.
Tasked with protecting a 6–4 lead after Toronto’s offense pushed across three runs in the top of the ninth, he struggled to find his rhythm.
Control proved to be the biggest issue, as Hoffman threw just 14 strikes on 32 pitches.
The Brewers capitalized, tying the game at 6–6 before he was pulled after walking Garrett Mitchell to load the bases.
Brewers doing Brewer things, but the Jays have a Jeff Hoffman problem.
Despite the blown save, Hoffman avoided taking the loss thanks to Louis Varland, who stepped in and struck out Joey Ortiz on three pitches to end the threat.
LOUIS VARLAND HARD AS NAILS! Our lord and saviour! Toronto wins a thriller. #BlueJays50
While Hoffman has been effective at missing bats this season—recording 18 strikeouts in 8.1 innings—he has now blown three of five save opportunities.
That inconsistency could raise questions about his role as Toronto’s closer moving forward.
If struggles continue, manager John Schneider may consider alternatives such as Varland, Tyler Rogers, or Yimi García once he returns from the injured list.
Hoffman candid about his performance against the Brewers
Speaking after the game with Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae, Hoffman was candid about his blown save and appreciative of Varland’s contribution.
"I didn't have any command or any stuff tonight.. nothing was going where I wanted it to go, so it was just a battle the entire inning... I'm glad me and Louis (Varland) were able to just get it to the 10th. It could've easily ended in the 9th"
Hoffman also praised Varland’s composure:
"He's consistently the same guy. Playing on a good team probably helps him come out of his shell... a guy that's not fazed by the situation. He's mentally locked in, and he's doing his own thing. He's great."
Starter Kevin Gausman echoed the team’s resilience, emphasizing their ability to fight back:
"That's the epitome of what we did a lot last year.. when we were down, we found a way to battle back.. never felt like we were ever out of a game.. that's how we felt tonight."
A long baseball season is rarely smooth, and the Blue Jays have faced their share of challenges.
But as Tuesday’s comeback showed, perseverance remains a defining trait, and one that continues to carry them forward.
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