The Toronto Blue Jays could have a new closer moving forward.
Manager John Schneider said he plans to speak with Jeff Hoffman about the struggling reliever's status as the club's closer.
"We'll re-evaluate everything, talk with him, see how he's doing," Schneider said Wednesday, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. "He's going through it, obviously, a little bit. We'll see (about his role). Use the off day (Thursday) to talk about it with him."
Hoffman has already blown three saves this season to go along with a 7.59 ERA and 2.06 WHIP over 12 appearances. However, the right-hander also has a 3.33 FIP and 24 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings, which indicates that he's been dominant at times and otherwise dealt with bad luck on balls in play.
"He's a big boy," Schneider added. "He understands that the spotlight's on him a little bit and rightfully so. How can we be there to support you? How can we help you get ahead of hitters? Is it mechanical? Is it between the ears a little bit? What's going on, and how can we help?"
Louis Varland is likely the favorite to replace Hoffman. Varland, who hasn't allowed an earned run this season, collected his first career save Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels. The 28-year-old induced a game-ending double play after Hoffman loaded the bases.
"It's great that he's so versatile," Schneider said of Varland. "The ninth inning is different. I don't care what anyone says. Louis came into a dumpster fire and did really well. But even if it's a three-run lead with a clean inning, the ninth inning is the ninth inning, and you have to have a certain mindset to do it."
