SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — There was a time when Jeff Hoffman could step on the gas whenever he needed to. That was a big reason why Toronto selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 2014 draft.
Scouting reports recorded a fastball that screamed to the plate at 93-96 mph and sometimes reached as high as 98.
Hoffman, 26, who has had a checkered career since coming to the Rockies from the Blue Jays as the centerpiece of the Troy Tulowitzki trade in 2015, wants to become that pitcher again.
“For me, it’s getting back to who I am, and that’s being a powerful pitcher,” said Hoffman, who hopes to compete with fellow right-handers Chad Bettis and Antonio Senzatela for the final spot in the rotation.