Blue Jays making closer change amid Jeff Hoffman’s struggles
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Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider recently claimed that he and the club were considering making a change with the closer role , with Jeff Hoffman struggling to begin the season. On Friday, that decision became official, as new reports reveal the club’s plans with the bullpen.
General manager Ross Atkins claimed that the Blue Jays are turning to a committee approach at closer for the short term, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Hoffman is expected to remain as a featured piece in the bullpen, but other players will get a shot at closing games.
“Speaking about the closer’s role, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins says that in ‘the short term, we are going to share that responsibility,'” reported Davidi. “Jeff Hoffman ‘is still going to be getting very important outs for us and very much believe in him as a weapon for us.'”
Tyler Rogers and Louis Varland seem to be the two relievers potentially in line to see action in the closer role, mainly due to their positioning in the Blue Jays’ depth chart. Either way, it sounds like Schneider and pitching coach Pete Walker will make decisions based on the opponents the team is playing on a given day, per Davidi.
“For the time being, Blue Jays don’t intend to go with a single closer, said Atkins. Usage will be ‘something that we work through on a daily basis,'” reported Davidi.
Jeff Hoffman is having his closer duties reduced after the 33-year-old right-hander began the campaign with a 7.59 ERA and 2.063 WHIP in 12 appearances. He’s also recorded 24 strikeouts and just three saves through 10.2 innings pitched.
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