Blue Jays Notes: Jeff Hoffman’s Adjustment, Spencer Miles’ Emergence and More

TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays fell 8-2 to the Miami Marlins on Monday, extending a frustrating stretch after their four-game winning streak ended with back-to-back losses. Beyond Nathan Lukes returning from the injured list and Tanner Andrews making his debut, the game offered little positive for Toronto. But several roster and pitching developments could shape the club’s outlook over the long term.

One of the biggest encouraging signs has been Jeff Hoffman’s recent turnaround. After a difficult start to the season, the right-handed reliever has made a notable adjustment by increasing his slider usage, returning closer to the pitch mix that helped him succeed with the Philadelphia Phillies. In his last four outings, the slider has become his primary pitch, accounting for 65 percent of his total offerings. Hoffman said the change came after a poor outing and was discussed with Toronto’s pitching staff before being tested in games. The results have been strong so far: over his last four appearances, he has allowed just one hit, struck out six batters, walked none and not given up a run. While the sample is still small, Hoffman appears to be regaining the form the Blue Jays expected when they signed him to a three-year deal before the 2025 season.

Another positive development is the emergence of Rule 5 draft pick Spencer Miles. Toronto’s decision to select him last winter was the result of extensive collaboration across scouting, analytics and player development staff. Multiple evaluators saw promise in Miles, a 6-foot-3 right-hander with an upper-90s sinker, despite his limited professional track record and previous injuries. The move was a low-cost gamble, and early returns have been excellent. Miles has posted a 2.17 ERA in his first 29 major league innings, giving the Blue Jays a stabilizing bullpen option and validating the front office’s process.

The roster shuffle tied to Lukes’ return came at the expense of Davis Schneider, who was optioned to Triple A. Toronto’s choice reflected both performance and timing. Schneider has struggled badly at the plate this season, carrying a .507 OPS overall and hitting just .127 over his last 12 games. Meanwhile, Yohendrick Piñango had earlier been sent down despite a stronger showing, but his recent production made the decision easier this time. He has hit .313 with a .770 OPS in his first 23 games, making him one of the team’s better hitters in recent weeks. The Blue Jays also considered the upcoming schedule, which includes only one left-handed starter in the next seven games, reducing the immediate need for Schneider’s right-handed bat.

Toronto also faced a setback with Dylan Cease, who was placed on the injured list with a mild left hamstring strain. It ends a remarkable streak of 185 consecutive starts dating back to his 2019 rookie season. The Blue Jays hope the absence will be brief, but they still need to cover at least two turns through the rotation. Right-hander Tanner Andrews was added to the roster, though he is expected to serve as a bullpen arm. Grant Rogers and Austin Voth are possible short-term options, while prospects CJ Van Eyk and Chad Dallas remain internal depth candidates if needed.