Overview
- Manager John Schneider said Wednesday the team will reassess Jeff Hoffman’s ninth-inning role and use Thursday’s off-day to talk it through with him.
- Following Tuesday’s shaky ninth against the Angels, Hoffman exited with the bases loaded and Louis Varland ended the game on one pitch with a double play for his first MLB save.
- Varland has not allowed a run through his first dozen outings of 2026 and has worked in high‑leverage spots, which makes him a natural late‑inning candidate.
- Reporters have floated a shared plan that uses Varland in the game’s hottest spots and gives Braydon Fisher the ninth when Varland is used earlier, and the club has not announced any permanent change.
- Hoffman owns a 7.59 ERA and three blown saves despite elite strikeout and whiff rates, and Schneider said the staff will look for a reset in lower‑pressure spots as they determine next steps.