Blue Jays in tough spot with closer Jeff Hoffman

Although Saturday's appearance was not a save situation for Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman, the result was all too familiar.

Hoffman entered in the bottom of the eighth inning with the Blue Jays and the Diamondbacks tied 2-2. He gave up a pair of base hits and a walk before Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll deposited a 3-1 fastball down the middle into deep left-center for a grand slam. Although Hoffman struck out two of the next three batters to end the inning, his performance resulted in another loss for the Blue Jays.

That outing was another in a list of disappointing performances for Hoffman. He entered Sunday with a 7.71 ERA and a 2.036 WHIP over his 9.1 innings. Although he has notched 20 strikeouts, Hoffman has issued six walks and has just two saves in five chances.

Blue Jays sticking with Jeff Hoffman as closer for now

The Blue Jays are saying all the right things about Hoffman. MLB.com's Keegan Matheson reported that Blue Jays manager John Schneider said he has "a lot of trust and confidence" in Hoffman. Schneider went on to say that Hoffman is still the Blue Jays closer and has his support.

It is fair to wonder if Hoffman can be the dominant closer the Blue Jays need. He had a stellar start to his time in Toronto, posting a 1.10 ERA and a 0.673 WHIP over 16.1 innings in his first 14 appearances, notching seven saves while striking out 23 batters with two walks. Hoffman was not close to the same pitcher from May 6 through the end of the season, posting a 5.40 ERA and a 1.354 WHIP over his final 51.2 innings, striking out 61 batters with 25 walks. He may simply not be the answer as a closer.

The Blue Jays are sticking with Hoffman as their closer. However, if he continues to struggle, the Blue Jays may be forced to pull the plug and take him out of the ninth inning.