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MLB
Blue Jays are moving struggling Jeff Hoffman out of the closer's role
TL;DR
The Toronto Blue Jays are removing Jeff Hoffman from the closer's role due to his struggles this season, including a 7.59 ERA. General manager Ross Atkins announced that closing responsibilities will be shared among other pitchers.
Key points
- Jeff Hoffman has a 7.59 ERA this season
- He has three saves in six chances
- The Blue Jays will share closer responsibilities
- Hoffman signed a $33 million contract in January 2025
- He was a first-time All-Star in 2024
Toronto Blue JaysClevelandPhiladelphiaColorado
TORONTO (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays are moving Jeff Hoffman out of the closer’s role, general manager Ross Atkins said before Friday’s game against Cleveland. “In the short term, we are going to share that responsibility,” Atkins said. Hoffman is 1-2 with three saves in six chances and a 7.59 ERA in 12 games this season, his second with Toronto. Hoffman blew the save in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 2025 World Series when he gave up a game-tying home run to Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas. It was the only homer Hoffman allowed in 12 1/3 postseason innings after giving up 15 in the regular season. “I’ve cost everybody in here a World Series ring,” Hoffman said in Toronto’s clubhouse following that emotional loss. Hoffman came on for the save in the ninth inning of Tuesday’s game against the Angels. He struck out Zach Neto to begin the inning, but the next four batters reached safely, with two of them hit by pitches. Louis Varland replaced Hoffman and got Nolan Schanuel to ground into a game-ending double play. Varland and sidearming right-hander Tyler Rogers are among the candidates to close games for the Blue Jays. Hoffman signed a $33 million, three-year contract with Toronto in January 2025. He was a first-time All-Star with Philadelphia in 2024. The Blue Jays picked Hoffman ninth overall in the 2014 draft. He was traded to the following year in a blockbuster deal that brought star shortstop and reliever to Toronto. \ AP MLB:
Q&A
Why is Jeff Hoffman being removed as the closer for the Blue Jays?
Jeff Hoffman is being removed from the closer role due to his poor performance, including a 7.59 ERA and only three saves in six opportunities this season.
Who will replace Jeff Hoffman as the closer for the Blue Jays?
The Blue Jays plan to share the closer responsibilities among several pitchers, including Louis Varland and Tyler Rogers.
What was Jeff Hoffman's performance in the 2025 World Series?
In the 2025 World Series, Jeff Hoffman blew a save in Game 7 by allowing a game-tying home run, which he described as costing the team a championship.