Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman talks about his ninth inning struggles, mindset going forward
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Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman reflected on Saturday night's meltdown with reporters following the 6-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman allowed a big inning for the second time this trip, pushing his ERA to 7.71 in the early weeks of the season.
Though Hoffman has rattled off a few strong outings, these recent blow-ups surely dredged up trauma for Blue Jays fans remembering blown leads and a specific Game 7 homer from a year ago.
But John Schneider and teammates stood behind the right-hander after Saturday’s game.
“I have a lot of confidence in Jeff Hoffman,” manager John Schneider said. “I feel for him right now because he’s going through it. I get it; when you’re in that spot, it gets magnified, and that’s part of it. He’s man enough to handle it.”
“If there’s a situation to close out a game,” Schneider added, “I’ll take Jeff Hoffman.”
Hoffman explains why he is getting hit around lately, and what needs to change going forward
Speaking with Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling following the loss, Hoffman was candid about his performance as of late, and what he needs to do going forward.
"The majority of it comes from me putting myself in terrible positions and having to claw back into counts throwing hittable pitches. When I'm ahead in the count I can throw chase pitches. I have room to work. But when you are behind in counts, these guys are good enough to stay boxed up in the zone and not to go after breaking pitches when they don't' have to. It's come back to bite me both times. That's what happens when you throw fastballs to good hitters. If you put yourself in those situations it's not going to turn out well."
Hoffman also shared his thoughts on the pressure of being a big league closer.
"It's Heavy. Usually, I'm the reason whether we win or lose. It definitely carries some weight. You feel terrible when outings like this happen. These guys played a great game [Saturday] and they definitely don't deserve to lose by four. But it's over now and I've already shifted my mindset to Sunday and getting ready to be back out there. Whether I pitched good or bad tonight, it's not going to help me tomorrow. So I gotta get back out there and do what i do to get back on track."
Calls for a closer change will certainly grow if Hoffman struggles again, even if he rattles off a few good appearances between now and then.
That is the life of a closer. It’s what Hoffman signed up for when he joined the Blue Jays, handed the keys to the final inning. The spotlight is on the ninth.
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Blue Jays manager John Schneider defends decision to use Jeff Hoffman in 8th vs Diamondbacks
Blue Jays manager John Schneider defends decision to use Jeff Hoffman in 8th vs Diamondbacks