Hoffman (2-1) picked up the win in Friday's 10-3 rout over Cleveland, allowing one run on seven hits and three walks over six innings while striking out four.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander found out earlier this week he would remain in the rotation after the return of Sonny Gray, and Hoffman celebrated with his first quality start of the season, tossing 58 of 91 pitches for strikes. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing Thursday, at home against the Diamondbacks.

The Reds officially moved Jose De Leon to the bullpen Wednesday, which means that Hoffman will remain in the rotation, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Neither Hoffman nor De Leon pitched well over the weekend against the Diamondbacks, but the presumed favorite prior to the weekend was Hoffman. The decision was necessitated by the return of Sonny Gray from the IL. It might be likely that Hoffman could have some security in the role with Michael Lorenzen being placed on the 60-day DL, but it's still also possible that Tejay Antone, who threw 60 pitches in his last relief outing, could ultimately start.

Hoffman (1-1) allowed three runs on six hits and three walks while striking out two over 4.1 innings in a loss to the Diamondbacks on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

After inducing 13 swinging strikes on 77 pitches in a win over the Cardinals in his Reds debut, Hoffman managed just seven swinging strikes on 82 pitches Saturday. Two of the three runs charged to Hoffman crossed the plate after he exited the game, but the right-hander had issues with command during his time on the mound, as evidenced by the fact he had more walks than strikeouts. If Jose De Leon has a better outing Sunday, Cincinnati could opt to keep De Leon in the rotation over Hoffman with Sonny Gray (back) due to return next week.

Hoffman (1-0) allowed one run on three hits over five innings in a win over the Cardinals on Sunday. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

EDGE Analysis

Hoffman, who had a 9.28 ERA in 16 appearances out of the Rockies' bullpen last season, turned in a gem in his first start in a Reds uniform. He filled up the strike zone and was effective before running into a bit of trouble in his final frame. The right-hander was lifted after 77 pitches and manager David Bell will likely continue to have a short hook when Hoffman is on the mound given the 28-year-old's career third-time-through-the-order numbers. Up next is a road start in Arizona.

Hoffman is expected to open the season as the Reds' fourth starter, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hoffman probably won't make many turns in the rotation, as it took injuries to Sonny Gray (back), Michael Lorenzen (shoulder) and Tejay Antone (hip) for him to earn a starting role. He's an interesting streaming candidate in the first week of the season, as he'll face the Pirates in his first start, but he's tough to roster in most leagues. His 6.40 ERA in 230.2 career major-league innings is quite poor even when accounting for the fact that he called Coors Field home.

Hoffman pitched five innings in Tuesday's start against the Padres, allowing three runs (all in the first inning) while retiring 12 of his last 13 batters, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nightengale suggests that Hoffman has a good chance of winning a spot in the Reds' rotation to begin the season, ahead of teammate Jose De Leon. The Reds like what Tejay Antone can do out of the bullpen, and Sonny Gray is likely to begin the season on the IL, so there are spots to be won.

Hoffman is out of options heading into the 2021 season, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports. He is competing for a roster spot, nominally as a starter but potentially as a reliever, after arriving from Colorado in a trade for Robert Stephenson in November.

EDGE Analysis

As Rosecrans reports, Hoffman is the type of pitcher that the Reds like to target, with his fastball spin (83rd percentile) and curve spin (55th percentile) above average. That hasn't yet translated to good results, but the change of scenery could help.

Hoffman was traded from the Rockies to the Reds on Wednesday in exchange for Robert Stephenson and Jameson Hannah, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hoffman spent the first five seasons of his career with the Rockies, but he was never able to generate much major-league production. The right-hander transitioned to a bullpen role in 2020, but he continued to struggle, posting a 9.28 ERA and 1.92 WHIP over 21.1 innings. It's unclear whether he'll remain a reliever with his new club or whether he'll move back to the rotation.

Hoffman earned the save Wednesday against the Diamondbacks after walking one and striking out one in one-third of an inning.

EDGE Analysis

The Rockies entered the ninth with a five-run lead, but neither Tyler Kinley nor Jairo Diaz got the job done so manager Bud Black called Jeff Hoffman to shut the door on the Diamondbacks. With two outs and two runners on, Hoffman walked Eduardo Escobar and struck out Nick Ahmed to earn his first save of the season. Hoffman should gain confidence following this outing, as he had allowed runs in three of his previous four appearances out of the bullpen, though Daniel Bard still looks like the primary closer.

Hoffman (2-0) earned the win Saturday against the Mariners. He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two across three scoreless innings.

EDGE Analysis

Hoffman has made two appearances off the bullpen this season, tossing scoreless outings and earning the win in both. He should remain in a long relief role after missing out on a rotation spot, but this was his first appearance since Aug. 3 -- he could be in line for more regular role if he keeps pitching like this.