Hoffman Throws Five Innings in No-Decision

Shaker graduate and 2014 first-round draft pick Jeff Hoffman threw five innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits, as the Dunedin Blue Jays lost to the Tampa Yankees on Monday night.

Hoffman took the no-decision, and his record now sits at 1-2 across seven starts. His ERA is 4.28.

Hoffman had one walk and two strikeouts in the performance. The East Carolina standout has just 18 strikeouts in 33 innings in his first season of professional baseball. Despite being drafted last year, Hoffman did not pitch as he underwent Tommy John Surgery right before the draft.

Through text message, I asked Dunedin Blue Jays broadcaster Marshall Kelner if he's concerned about the lack of strikeouts from the pitcher with the 98 MPH fastball and the devastating breaking pitches.

Kelner basically told me that he's only marginally concerned about the lack of strikeouts, and he "thinks those will come." Furthermore, he said that Hoffman is getting a lot of soft ground balls and that guys are swinging early in counts for fear of getting behind in counts, which limits the opportunity for a strikeout. He did add that Hoffman will leave his fastball up at times, which hurts his ability to consistently put hitters away.