Jeff Hoffman’s ninth-inning struggles sink Blue Jays in 7-5 loss to Twins, raising questions about Toronto’s bullpen stability late in the season.
Ninth-Inning Collapse at Rogers Centre
The Toronto Blue Jays let a four-run lead slip away Tuesday night as the Minnesota Twins stormed back for a 7-5 win at Rogers Centre. Closer Jeff Hoffman surrendered two home runs in the ninth inning, including a decisive three-run blast, marking his seventh blown save of the season.
How Minnesota Turned the Game
Mickey Gasper tied the contest with his first career homer before Matt Wallner followed with a three-run shot — his 20th of the year — to give Minnesota the lead. The late surge erased what had been a commanding Toronto advantage and handed Hoffman (8-5) his latest loss in a turbulent season.
Why Hoffman’s Role Is Under Scrutiny
Hoffman has been inconsistent throughout 2025, combining 28 saves with a 4.77 ERA. In his last seven outings, his ERA has ballooned to 6.75, while he has converted just two of five save chances. Despite the struggles, Blue Jays manager John Schneider insists he will continue to use Hoffman in high-leverage situations.
Teammates Show Support Amid Struggles
Toronto starter Chris Bassitt defended Hoffman after the game, noting his earlier dominance. “He pretty much carried us for two straight months,” Bassitt said. “Yes, he’s had a couple of bad ones, but overall, I trust him more than anyone.”
Offensive Highlights Overshadowed
George Springer delivered a standout performance, hitting two home runs, scoring four times, and collecting four hits to lead the Blue Jays’ offence. Nathan Lukes added three hits, while Bo Bichette recorded two hits, bringing his MLB-leading total to 167 this season. Despite the strong batting display, Toronto’s bullpen collapse overshadowed the offensive output.
What’s Next for Toronto
With the loss, the Blue Jays dropped to 77-56 overall but remain strong at home with a 43-22 record. Their division lead has narrowed to four games, raising the stakes for consistent bullpen performances down the stretch. Toronto and Minnesota will conclude their three-game series Wednesday night, with the Blue Jays looking to rebound before heading deeper into the playoff push.
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