New Blue Jays closer owes his career to Bryce Harper

The new Blue Jays closer was pitching in Triple-A when he summoned to throw batting practice to Harper, who at the time was recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Harper had been reluctant to a full rehab assignment and instead, summoned different pitchers to throw to him.

According to Phillies manager Rob Thomson, Hoffman absolutely dominated the potential future Hall-Of Famer, and it was the Phils All-Star that convinced the team to give Hoffman a shot.

- Phillies manager Rob Thomson.

Hoffman recalls the moment vividly. He knew something was up after he had been from his Triple-A game unexpectedly.

While Hoffman made his major league debut with the Rockies in 2016 and also played two years with Reds after being drafted by the Blue Jays, it wasn't until he joined Philadelphia that he became the pitcher the Blue Jays brought back on a three year contract.

And he owes it to Bryce Harper.

About that domination Thomson talked about? In five BP sessions against Harper, Hoffman struck him five times.