Jays closer Hoffman struggles in loss to Twins
Global News
The game-tying solo shot stung. The go-ahead homer was a body blow.
TORONTO – The game-tying solo shot stung. The go-ahead homer was a body blow.
Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman bent over on the mound and rested his hands on his knees as Matt Wallner’s three-run blast cleared the wall for Minnesota’s second homer of the ninth inning.
Mickey Gasper had pulled the Twins even with his first career homer and Wallner’s 20th homer of the year was the difference as Minnesota came back for a 7-5 victory over Toronto on Tuesday night at Rogers Centre.
Hoffman (8-5) took the loss after his seventh blown save of the season.
“Some nights you don’t have it,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider. “Tonight was one of the nights.”
The six-foot-five, 235-pound right-hander can be electric when he’s on point. When he’s off, things can go sideways in a hurry.
His 28 saves are proof that Hoffman can thrive when the game is on the line. But his bloated 4.77 earned-run average is well above what’s needed from a high-leverage reliever.
“His numbers obviously I know aren’t where they need to be, but I think (he’s) the same guy that pretty much carried us for two straight months,” said Toronto starter Chris Bassitt. “And then yes, (he’s) had a couple of bad ones. But overall, I trust him more than anyone.”
