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Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman seems to have lost his job
Photo credit: Kevin Sousa / Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays may need to rethink Jeff Hoffman's role. During Sunday's game, his struggles persisted, he allowed one unearned run let both inherited runners cross the plate.
Through 32.1 innings over 34 appearances, Hoffman now holds a 5.29 ERA and a 4.58 FIP.
Blue Jays' bullpen in jeopardy.
Ryley Delaney from Blue Jays Nation writes that although home runs have been a recurring problem for Hoffman, he's still managing to deliver results. His 17 saves rank tied for sixth in the league, trailing only Carlos Estevez, Robert Suarez, Josh Hader, Kyle Finnegan, and Andres Munoz. While four blown saves aren't ideal, many other relievers have matched or exceeded that total.
"A big question is whether or not the Blue Jays have a better option on the team. If the Jays remove Hoffman from the closer role, even for a little while, they have three internal options who may be able to fill in." -Delaney
Since May 7, Yariel Rodriguez has been lights out, tossing 23.2 innings and allowing only two earned runs, good for a stellar 0.76 ERA and a 2.18 FIP. Over that stretch, he's posted an impressive 30.4% strikeout rate and just a 5.1% walk rate. His dominance even earned him his first career save on June 11.
"Yimi Garcia is still on the Blue Jays' 15-day Injured List, but appears to be close to returning to pitching duties as he's throwing bullpen sessions. When he's been healthy, Garcia has been used as the Jays' de facto closer when Hoffman was unable to pitch this season." -Delaney
This might seem a bit unexpected, given that Fisher has seen limited action in high-leverage spots this season. Still, he's been nothing short of dominant coming out of the bullpen.
"In 17 games in relief, Fisher has pitched 18 innings and hasn't given up a single run, either earned or unearned. He's walked just two batters while striking out 26, giving him a 41.9 K% and a 3.2 BB%. Fisher's K-BB% of 38.7% is first in the big leagues for any pitcher coming out of the bullpen in relief with 10 or more innings pitched." -Delaney
Handing Fisher the closer role this early might be premature, but at the very least, he's earned more opportunities out of the bullpen. He's been absolutely light-out so far this season.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 24 | 1803 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman seems to have lost his job Which pitcher can replace Jeff Hoffman as a closer? | ||
| Jeff Hoffman | 227 | 12.6 % |
| Yimi Garcia | 1326 | 73.5 % |
| Braydon Fisher | 250 | 13.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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