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Blue Jays Face Ninth Inning Dilemma as Playoffs Approach

Aug 31, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) pitches to the Milwaukee Brewers during the ninth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays are navigating a crucial phase of their season, holding the second-best record in the American League at 79-58. As they enter September, they find themselves half a game behind the Detroit Tigers and with a three-game lead over the New York Yankees in the AL East. While the Blue Jays are in a strong position to control their playoff destiny, concerns are mounting over a significant weakness in their bullpen.

The inconsistency of closer Jeff Hoffman has emerged as a critical issue for the team. Entering Monday’s game, Hoffman posted a 5.02 ERA and a 1.203 WHIP across 57.1 innings. Although he has secured 29 saves and struck out 76 batters against 20 walks, his performance has diverged sharply from expectations set during the offseason when he signed a three-year contract worth $33 million.

Hoffman’s track record prior to this season suggested he could be a reliable closer. He had a standout performance over the previous two years, boasting a 2.28 ERA and a 0.944 WHIP in 118.2 innings, with an impressive tally of 158 strikeouts against 35 walks. In 2024, he recorded 10 saves, leading the Blue Jays to believe they had secured a dependable ninth-inning option.

In his initial appearances this season, Hoffman looked promising, displaying a 1.10 ERA and a .673 WHIP over 16.1 innings, while striking out 23 batters and walking only two. Unfortunately, his performance has steadily declined, with a troubling 6.59 ERA and a 1.439 WHIP in his last 41 innings.

Hoffman has had several notable struggles, including six outings where he allowed three or more runs while recording three or fewer outs. One particularly concerning appearance on August 10 saw him issue five walks in just 0.2 innings, highlighting his current challenges on the mound.

As the Blue Jays look toward the postseason, Hoffman’s inconsistent performance raises questions about their ability to secure wins in critical moments. The ninth inning has the potential to be a significant hurdle for the team if they cannot find a way to stabilize their closing situation.

With the playoffs in sight, the Blue Jays are hoping Hoffman can regain his form and help anchor their bullpen. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for both the team and the closer as they aim to solidify their position in October’s postseason.

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