Blue Jays changing approach for closer situation after Jeff Hoffman news

Closer Jeff Hoffman has been relieved of his closer duties following high-leverage failure concerns. The Toronto Blue Jays will follow a player-by-committee approach instead of having one primary closer. 

The Blue Jays have several back-end relievers they can utilize outside of Louis Varland, such as Tyler Rogers, Mason Fluharty, Spencer Miles, Braydon Fisher and Tommy Nance. The Blue Jays also have Yimi Garcia, who is set to return from right shoulder surgery in late April/early May. Giving them plenty of depth and options of relievers to utilize late in games and in save opportunities.

They have high-leverage specialist Varland, who has demonstrated how he's a prime candidate as a closer. Three blown saves and an ERA over seven (7.59 ERA) across 12 appearances from Hoffman forced John Schneider to take immediate action. Hoffman's role will change in the pen following his early-season struggles. Hoffman developed issues with walks, which led to unforced offense and higher pitch counts, and his inability to retire batters early.

Hoffman was only able to record two out of seven save opportunities, which forced the hands of John Schneider to take him out of the closer role.

Revising Jeff Hoffman's role in the bullpen

The Blue Jays' adjustment of the bullpen will take pressure off Hoffman, whose poor outings have frustrated fans 

Figuring out his future status, pitching in the bullpen will be in the hands of Schneider as he places him in low-leverage situations early in games. Hoffman's most discerning outing so far this season was against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he gave up seven runs and a grand slam to Corbin Carroll. 

Before the decision to remove Hoffman as the closer, Schneider announced he was going to evaluate the closer role with Hoffman due to his struggles displayed in his April 21 performance.