Jeff Hoffman Gets Fresh Start In Cincinnati

 

Jeff Hoffman was happy to get out of pitcher's hell, Coors Field

He earned a spot, for now, in the Reds' starting rotation, that is missing Sonny Gray and Michael Lorenzen in the early season.  

Hoffman was informed by Nick Krall, pitching coach Derek Johnson and acting manager Freddie Benavides.  David Bell is still on family leave with the death of his brother, Mike.

"It was awesome," Hoffman said.  "I was really excited that the work we all put in since I moved over to here got nice results and didn't go for nothing.  I am looking forward to putting our best foot forward."

The 28-year old right handed pitcher came to the Reds in exchange for Robert Stephenson.   Both were number one draft picks.  Stephenson was the Reds' top pick in 2011 out of high school.  Hoffman was chosen in the first round by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2014 draft out of East Carolina University.  

Hoffman is just six weeks older than Stephenson.  It was apparent that both needed a change of scenery.

The Reds' had hoped that Stephenson would be a main stay in the starting rotation.  It never quite came true and he was moved to the bullpen.   Hoffman was a bright enough prospect to prompt Colorado to give up veteran LaTroy Hawkins and All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in a trade deadline deal in 2015.

Hoffman started games in 38 of his 68 appearances in five seasons in Colorado.  He was 10-16 with a 6.40 ERA in five seasons.  He was touched for 21 home runs in just 70 innings in 2019.  He needed an escape.

The Reds offered him a chance by sending Stephenson west.

Working out of the bullpen last season in Colorado, didn't shake Hoffman's confidence.

"I didn't mind relieving, obviously I've been a starter most of my career," Hoffman said.  "I knew I could definitely still do it.  I wanted a chance to do it away from Coors Field.  I feel like I landed in a great spot."

This spring he allowed 17 runs in 18 innings, including four in his final tuneup Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers.  There was some luck involved in his move to allow his inclusion into the rotation and an acknowledgement that the adjustments he's made are still a work in progress.

"You never want anyone to go down," Hoffman said.  "We had a couple of stumblers there and I'm happy to step in and hold things down until those guys come back."

The stumblers include rotation mainstay Sonny Gray with lower back pain and Michael Lorenzen with mild discomfort in his shoulder.  They are not expected to miss much time, giving Hoffman a chance to show he can be an effective starter in Cincinnati.

"Whether I am nails and win a lot of games or just learn, I'm really happy to be here with DJ (Derek Johnson) and Jags (assistant pitching coach Eric Jagers). I'm in a win, win right now.  Or I can take small steps and learn but being with those guys I feel will be really good for the rest of my career," Hoffman said.

Luis Castillo is scheduled to start Opening Day.  Tyler Mahle is expected to start on Saturday against the Cardinals.  Hoffman, Wade Miley and Jose DeLeon will round out the early rotation but it has yet ro be determined what order they will pitch.

Hoffman and De Leon are basically in audition mode.