The Blue Jays let a winnable game slip away Tuesday night, and the frustration inside Rogers Centre was as loud as the boos raining down in the ninth inning. Leading 4-2 heading into the final frame against the Twins, the bullpen once again faltered. Jeff Hoffman surrendered four runs, containing home runs to rookie Mickey Gasper and slugger Matt Wallner, as the Twins stunned the Jays 7-5. The loss dropped the team to 77-56 and cut their AL East lead over the Red Sox to just four games with 29 remaining.

This current collapse continues a troubling trend for the Jays’ relief corps. Louis Varland gave up a run in the eighth—the star’s fifth straight appearance with an earned run—before Hoffman’s implosion sealed the loss. While Chris Bassitt provided a powerful start and George Springer powered the offense with two home runs, it was not enough to mask the bullpen’s mounting issues. Only two relievers in MLB have enabled more home runs than Hoffman this season, putting the star’s role as closer squarely under the microscope just weeks before the postseason.

In the wake of the defeat, John Schneider addressed the scrutiny head-on, sending a clear message to his stars and critics. “You’ve got to deal with it and you’ve got to move on,” the manager said. “The worst thing you can do is just sulk. This group has been so good about turning the page to tomorrow”, he added. When pressed specifically on Hoffman’s struggles, Schneider remained firm in his support. “Hoff’s been so good for us,” the manager said. “The closer’s role is scrutinized like my role, like a couple of different roles in this game and that comes with it, but when he’s available and we want to save a game, I’m going to bring him in. He’s shown he can do it”, he added.

So why is Schneider sticking with Hoffman? Part of the answer lies in the closer’s dominant stretches earlier in the season, when the star was almost unhittable and carried the bullpen through injuries. Schneider and veteran starter Chris Bassitt referenced such a track record, with Bassitt adding, “I trust him more than anyone. You’re allowed to have bad ones. Especially when we rely on you as much as we do.” This kind of trust highlights the Jays’ internal calculus: Hoffman has the stuff to be elite, and they would rather ride with the star than risk destabilizing the bullpen further in a vital stretch.

Still, the force is mounting. Fans are restless, rivals are closing in, and every blown lead magnifies the question: Can Hoffman—and this bullpen—be trusted in October? Schneider’s reviews suggest the team thinks that the answer is yes. However, with the season barreling toward its final month, the Jays are running out of time to prove it.

Now, as the dust settles from Tuesday’s meltdown, attention transforms to how the team will react in a pivotal rubber match against the Twins.

Eric Lauer is tasked with settling the Blue Jays amid the bullpen issue

After Tuesday’s ninth-inning collapse, all eyes will be on Eric Lauer as the star returns to the rotation for the series finale against the Twins. The left-hander, who boasts an 8-2 record and a 2.76 ERA in his first season with the Blue Jays, has been the most reliable star on the team. His capability to perform quality innings will be vital as the team attempts to rebound and avoid losing more ground in the AL East race.

The stakes are clear: the Blue Jays’ bullpen has become an unpredictable liability, with closer Jeff Hoffman blowing two consecutive save opportunities and other relievers struggling with command. Lauer’s outing could not only decide Wednesday’s outcome, but also establish the tone heading into a challenging stretch against the MLB-leading Brewers. With 29 games left, the margin for error is shrinking quickly.

The Blue Jays’ season now hinges on the team’s capability to regain composure and trust in their pitching staff. Lauer’s start provides a scope to reset momentum; however, the Jays’ margin for mistakes is razor-thin. Fans will be watching closely—will the Jays rise to the challenge? Or will the team let this late-season stumble define their playoff hopes?