Report: Jeff Hoffman officially out as Toronto Blue Jays closer
Photo credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider met with reporters ahead of tonight's matchup with the Cleveland Guardians to discuss Jeff Hoffman's role going forward.
Jeff Hoffman has lost his job as the closer of the Toronto Blue Jays.
News: Jeff Hoffman is out as the #BlueJays’ closer. They’ll go with a closer by committee for now while Hoffman works on things in lower-leverage spots.
General manager Ross Atkins spoke to the media on Friday afternoon to reveal the team will close games by committee going forward while Hoffman tries to restore his game in lower-leverage spots.
The #BlueJays are moving to a closer by committee in the short term, Ross Atkins said.
Bannon spoke to Hoffman about the decision where he indicated that he'd do what ever he is asked.
Just chatted with Jeff Hoffman about the #BlueJays new closer situation. Said it’s ‘Schneider’s ship’ and he’s willing to do whatever is asked.
“Whatever puts the team in the best position to win. Right now, that’s not me there. We can reevaluate periodically.”
“Whatever puts the team in the best position to win. Right now, that’s not me there. We can reevaluate periodically.”
Hoffman will pitch in low-leverage situations until he can prove otherwise
Hoffman, 33, has struggled considerably in his second season in Toronto, posting a 7.59 ERA alongside three blown saves over 12 appearances
In Hoffman’s last outing against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, he came on with the Blue Jays leading 4-1 in the bottom of the ninth before hitting two batters and allowing two singles.
Hoffman was lifted in favour of Louis Varland, who used one pitch to induce a game-ending double play.
The right-hander struggled with consistency last season too, posting a 4.37 ERA with 33 saves and seven blown saves.
Hoffman seemed to fine his form in the playoffs with a 1.46 ERA over 10 appearances, but gave up the infamous game-tying home run to Miguel Rojas, the No. 9 hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series.
Varland, Tyler Rogers and Braydon Fisher all have the potential to close games going forward.
The 10-14 Blue Jays open a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians at Rogers Centre on Friday.
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