First-Round Pick Jeff Hoffman To Join Fisher Cats
MANCHESTER, N.H. - In conjunction with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Fisher Cats announced today that pitcher Jeff Hoffman has been promoted from the Dunedin Blue Jays to New Hampshire. Hoffman is scheduled to make his Double-A debut this Saturday, July 18, against the Portland Sea Dogs at 7:05 p.m.
Hoffman was the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 2014 draft by the Blue Jays, but missed his debut season due to Tommy John Surgery. The 22-year-old right-hander is ranked third among Blue Jays prospects, and he's ranked 70th in Minor League Baseball by MLB.com.
In his first pro season, Hoffman has seen action in 11 games with Dunedin. He posted a 3-3 record and a 3.21 era in 56 total innings.
Hoffman played in the Cape Cod league during the summer of 2013 and was expected to be a top-five pick in the 2014 draft had he not needed to undergo Tommy John surgery in May. The righty is armed with a fastball that approaches triple digits. He will be the first draftee from 2014 to reach New Hampshire.
The Fisher Cats will open the post-All-Star portion of the season against the Future Red Sox with a four-game series beginning on Thursday, July 16. The series with the Portland Sea Dogs features three Atlas Fireworks show, a celebration of the Back to the Future trilogy on July 17, and a visit by Curious George on July 19. Tickets are available at www.nhfishercats.com, by calling 603-641-2005, and by visiting the stadium box office.