Reds: Jeff Hoffman could be a weapon out of the bullpen

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Bobby Nightengale, it was announced that Reds pitcher Jeff Hoffman would throw for Triple-A Louisville next week on a rehab assignment. Given how well Hoffman’s performed in the first inning this season, the right-hander could be a weapon out of the Cincinnati Reds bullpen.

Hoffman started 10 games for the Reds this season and owns a 4.61 ERA. The right-hander injured his shoulder a few weeks ago and has been out of action since. He’s since been replaced in the rotation by the talented rookie, Vladimir Gutierrez.

Jeff Hoffman could find a home in the Reds bullpen.

There’s no way Jeff Hoffman returns to the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation. Sonny Gray is still out with a groin injury, but once he returns, it’s questionable as to what David Bell will do with Tony Santillan. However, there’s no question as to what Cincinnati will do with Hoffman; he’s ticketed for the bullpen.

And that may not be a bad thing. Hoffman’s had success during the first inning of games this season. It’s the 4th inning and beyond when the right-hander has struggled. In the 1st inning of the 10 games Hoffman has started, he owns a 2.70 ERA and hasn’t allowed a home run.

Opponents only have a .570 OPS-against when Hoffman toes the rubber during the first frame. However, it all seems to come undone after that. Opponents have an OPS-against of .825 during the 2nd inning against Hoffman, and the right-hander really loses control in the 4th inning.

During the eight times that Hoffman’s entered the 4th inning, opponents have dented the plate 11 times and registered seven free passes. Hoffman’s allowed six extra-base hits during games in which he’s entered the 4th inning and allowed opposing hitters to post a .594 slugging percentage.

Reds pitcher Jeff Hoffman has done well the first time through the batting order.

We always hear about the first, second, and third time through the batting order. Fans are oftentimes dismissive of such statistics, but in the case of Jeff Hoffman, one time through the batting order is enough.

Hoffman has held opposing hitters to a .211 batting average his first time through the order. However, Hoffman’s opponents have their eyes light up during their second plate appearance, as the right-hander is allowing an opposing batting average of .279 and OPS-against of .924.

Jeff Hoffman is not a lost cause. In fact, he could be incredibly valuable piece in a shaky Reds bullpen. However, Hoffman has no place in the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation. That’s now reserved for the likes of Vladimir Gutierrez and Tony Santillan.