Jeff Hoffman will be taking a break from the mound.
The closer will not be used in the series-ending game against the Los Angeles Angels after pitching three times in four days and the Toronto Blue Jays will “use the off-day to talk about (role) with him,” manager John Schneider said on Wednesday.
“We’ll re-evaluate everything, talk with him, see how he’s doing. He’s going through it, obviously, a little bit,” Schneider said.
Hoffman has struggled of late and gave up an eighth-inning grand slam in Saturday’s 6-4 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Across the last three games he has pitched, over 2.1 innings he has given up five runs.
The 33-year-old has three saves with a 7.54 ERA on the season.
“I’m always going to, no matter what the outcome, try to put him in spots to have success,” Schneider said. “He’s a big boy. He understands that. 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?”
The Blue Jays look to sweep their series with the Angels when the two teams clash during a matinee matchup on Wednesday (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 3 p.m. ET / noon PT).