Blue Jays Notebook: Hoffman’s velocity, Yesavage’s near future, Manoah decision

TORONTO – The results have been inconsistent for Jeff Hoffman, who has a 4.76 ERA with seven blown saves and 15 home runs allowed — most among all MLB relievers.

Lately, the underlying numbers have been cause for some concern as well, as six of the eight fastballs Hoffman threw in Thursday’s loss were under 95 m.p.h., and well below his season average of 96.5 m.p.h.

All season, Blue Jays manager John Schneider has stuck by Hoffman in the closing role, and there’s no indication that’s about to change despite the recent struggles. But one way or another, the Blue Jays need the 32-year-old to get high-leverage outs for them down the stretch and into the playoffs, so they’re looking for solutions to get the most out of Hoffman and lock down late leads.

Speaking in his office before Thursday’s series finale against the Astros, Schneider suggested the Blue Jays might need to rely more on Hoffman’s off-speed pitches on days his velocity dips. 

“It’s September and there’s going to be some fluctuations with a lot of guys who have pitched a lot out of the bullpen,” Schneider said. “When you look up and you see that — and Jeff’s aware of it too — you probably have to just throw a different pitch a little bit more often.”

“But yeah, it’s September, so (velocity) is going to fluctuate a little bit.”

Along with Hoffman, the Blue Jays are relying on Seranthony Dominguez, Louis Varland, Yariel Rodriguez and Brendon Little in the late innings — and that group has also had its ups and downs in recent weeks. Since the all-star break, Blue Jays relievers rank 25th in ERA (5.17) and 27th in walk rate (10.8 per cent).

Hoffman will likely have a scheduled rest day Thursday after pitching three of the previous four days, but once the Orioles arrive in town this weekend he’s expected to be available to close games again. After Wednesday’s loss, Schneider suggested teams are likely game planning more intently for Hoffman, who has 30 saves in his first year as a full-time closer.

“Teams prepare a little bit differently for a quote unquote closer,” Schneider said. “What we’ve been looking at in particular is the pitch deployment and when you’re throwing what pitch in what count. He’s got three different weapons that are really good and just trying to use them all appropriately is where the damage has come a little bit.”

Progress for Yesavage

Pitching prospect Trey Yesavage had one of his best outings since earning a promotion to triple-A Wednesday, striking out four over the course of three scoreless innings against the Rochester Red Wings. After a tough debut with the Bisons on Aug. 14, the 22-year-old has struck out 23 while allowing just eight hits over his next five appearances on the way to a 2.87 ERA in his last 15.2 innings.

That kind of production has him on the radar of the big-league team, but the Blue Jays aren’t tipping their hand when it comes to his chances of debuting this month. Next up for Yesavage is another appearance Sunday. 

“Starting, I believe,” Schneider said. “But yeah, that’s about it. He was pretty good (Wednesday).”

While Yesavage isn’t on the Blue Jays’ 40-man roster, they could add him at any time they believe he’s MLB-ready. If he’s replacing an injured player, he’d be eligible to pitch in the post-season pending MLB approval, which is most likely a formality.

Decision time for Manoah

The Blue Jays have until Saturday to make a decision on Alek Manoah, who will have exhausted his 30-day rehab window as well as three subsequent 10-day extensions as of Friday. No more extensions are permitted, meaning the Blue Jays must option Manoah or recall him to the majors unless a different injury were to emerge and create a need for continued rehab outings at triple-A.

As the Blue Jays now have a full starting rotation, optioning Manoah would appear to be a leading choice here. Whatever the case, the Blue Jays have already discussed next steps privately with the right-hander, who told Sportsnet late last month that he’s keeping his focus on his work behind the scenes while Jays coaches and executives decide what’s next.

“At this point my only goal is to just keep working hard between starts and just let them tell me when I’m making my start or when they need me or, or where they need me,” Manoah said. “My only goal is to just continue to stay healthy, keep in mind the big picture and understanding it’s going to be a long career. It’s focus on my work, focus on my progress, focus on my process and make sure that I’m just putting myself in a better position every week, to go do better and better. Once the big dogs make the decision, I’m just making sure I’m ready for anything.”

More from Sportsnet

Blue Jays’ Anthony Santander to begin triple-A rehab stint on Thursday

At the Letters: What’s going well and what’s not for Blue Jays