Blue Jays remove Jeff Hoffman from closer's role after 3 blown saves this season

The Toronto Blue Jays are moving Jeff Hoffman out of the closer role.

General manager Ross Atkins says ninth-inning duties will be a shared responsibility for the short term.

Hoffman has struggled over the first few weeks of the season. He has a 1-2 record with three blown saves and a 7.59 earned-run average.

The right-hander could still have save opportunities but he's no longer the clear option to close out games.

The Blue Jays are the reigning American League champions but have a 10-14 record entering play Friday night against the visiting Cleveland Guardians.

Louis Varland and Tyler Rogers are two of Toronto's top high-leverage relievers. Yimi Garcia, who's building up after elbow surgery last year, could be another ninth-inning option when he returns.