Blue Jays: 3 takeaways from the Diamondbacks series

The Toronto Blue Jays have lost six consecutive series for the first time since 2012 after dropping two of three against the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend. 

The first two games were more of the same for the Blue Jays: solid starting pitching, anemic hitting, and late-inning meltdowns. However, the offence finally came to life with an eight-run first inning in Sunday’s game en route to a 10-4 victory. 

A lot is going on with this team as it struggles to tread water. Here are three takeaways as the club heads to Los Angeles to face the Angels. 

1: Jeff Hoffman can’t be trusted in high-leverage situations right now

Hoffman’s latest implosion came in Saturday’s 6-2 loss. He entered with the score tied at two, then departed after allowing a go-ahead grand slam to Corbin Carroll. 

The process had been better for Hoffman in his first few appearances of the year before unravelling in his last two outings. He owns a 7.71 ERA and 1.82 WHIP on the season—unacceptable numbers for a closer on a team with playoff aspirations.

Louis Varland, Tyler Rogers, and Braydon Fisher have all pitched better than Hoffman so far this season. They should handle the big spots until Hoffman proves he’s back on track. 

2: Whatever medicine the team gave Nathan Lukes is working 

Lukes’ dreadful start to the season was put into context when it was revealed he’s been dealing with vertigo. Hitting baseballs at the major league level is extremely difficult when you’re healthy, let alone when you’re dizzy and nauseous and struggling with vertigo. 

He recorded four hits—two of which went for extra bases—over the final two games in Arizona, including a pair in the first inning of Sunday’s blowout win. He looked more like the Lukes that played a huge part in the Blue Jays’ success throughout 2025.