As closer Jeff Hoffman faces possible demotion Blue Jays bullpen falters again to snap winning streak

After tying the game in the top of the sevent, two Blue Jays relievers combined to give up four runs in the bottom half of the inning

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Published Apr 22, 2026  •  Last updated 0 minutes ago  •  4 minute read

Jeff Hoffman of the Toronto Blue Jays exits his team's game against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 21, 2026 in Anaheim, Calif. Photo by Luke Hales /Getty Images

Have the Blue Jays finally blinked on the supreme trusted status of Jeff Hoffman as their regular closer?

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That possibility was strongly hinted from Toronto manager John Schneider prior to the team’s Wednesday matinee in Anaheim to wrap up a three-game series against the Angels and a nine-day, three-city road trip.

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Hoffman wasn’t used in the Blue Jays’ 7-3 loss on Wednesday. The Jays bullpen imploded late in a different way, ending the team’s modest three-game winning streak.

The embattled Hoffman wasn’t going to pitch anyway, after pitching on three of the previous four days, but what about the next time there’s a save situation?

It sounds like there’s a good chance the assignment won’t go to the right-hander, given his recent struggles. Schneider broached the subject carefully with reporters in Southern California, saying that the team will use Thursday’s off-day to discuss Hoffman’s status.

The manager said that the Jays will re-evaluate the situation at the back end of the bullpen, given that Hoffman has been “going through it” —  his words — so far this season.

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Schneider said that going forward, he will try to put Hoffman in “spots to have success.” The way things have been going lately, that may not be the high-leverage eighth and ninth innings.

Add to the fact that fellow right-handed reliever Louis Varland has been money and hasn’t allowed an earned run while striking out 19 in his 13 innings this season, and what had felt like an inevitable demotion for Hoffman is looking more like a reality.

Why move Hoffman now?

While a vocal segment of the team’s fan base has been clamouring for a Hoffman relegation to lower leverage for a while, Schneider’s management style is to allow struggling players to work things out.

But after a particularly ugly blown save in Milwaukee, Hoffman temporarily righted himself with a solid outing on Monday. The next night, though, Schneider went back to him and after allowing a hit and two hit batters, the manager had seen enough.

Enter Varland, who induced a double play on one pitch to end the game and record his first career MLB save.

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On Wednesday, Schneider noted that it is his job to put his team in the best position to win, subtly acknowledging that having Hoffman as his highest leverage reliever no longer does that.

What is the manager saying?

Schneider said he doesn’t want to make a knee-jerk reaction and would prefer to discuss the situation with Hoffman, a stand-up guy who likely will understand the situation.

Beyond that, he said the discussion on Thursday’s off day will centre on how to get Hoffman back to his best form so that he can once again be an important contributor to the Jays ‘pen at some point down the road in the long season.

Whether that means a return to the regular closing role will depend on Hoffman’s ability to sort out whatever his hindering him — be it mental or physical issues. But in speaking with reporters in Anaheim, Schneider made it clear that the Jays strongly believe that Hoffman will be a big part of his team going forward.

Jose Soriano of the Los Angeles Angels pitches during the second inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 22, 2026 in Anaheim, Calif. Photo by Harry How /Getty Images

Different bullpen woes

It was always going to be a tough task for Jays hitters on Wednesday in facing Angels ace Jose Soriano, who had allowed just one run in his previous five starts this season and was one of the most lethal starters in baseball.

The Jays didn’t get a run off of the righty, but they did bang out seven hits, paving Soriano’s exit after five innings and opening the door to recover from a 3-0 deficit.

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But after a three-run seventh to tie the game, Blue Jays relievers Tommy Nance and Braydon Fisher combined to give up four runs in the bottom half of the inning and it was game over.

It was a deflating outcome for the Jays, who were looking to finish off the sweep. Instead, they ended the nine-game road trip with a 4-5 mark and slipped back to a 10-14 mark overall.

Toronto starter Eric Lauer allowed seven hits and three runs over five innings, the biggest damage being solo homers slugged by Nolan Schanuel and Mike Trout.

At least the Jays, who managed 12 hits on Wednesday, won a series for just the second time this season, their first on the road.

Stat of the day

Soriano allowed seven hits and struck out four, but by blanking the Jays he became the first MLB starter since 1900 to allow one run or fewer through his first six starts of a season (not including openers).

Next up

Following the long flight home and Thursday’s off day, the Jays begin a six-game home stand on Friday when the Cleveland Guardians arrive at the Rogers Centre for a weekend series. A three-gamer against the Boston Red Sox follows on Monday. That will be the Jays’ first series against an AL East opponent this season.

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