Blue Jays select Jeff Hoffman with 9th overall pick in MLB Draft

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The Toronto Blue Jays opted to take a risk Thursday night, selecting injured right-hander Jeff Hoffman with the ninth overall pick in the 2014 first-year player draft.

Toronto's gamble was a calculated one, given its two first-round selections (No. 11). Additionally, the Blue Jays could realize savings with Hoffman, with an allotted $3,080,000 to spend on a pitcher who is considered to be one of the top arms in the draft but is expected to miss a year recovering from surgery.

Hoffman, who authored a 2.94 ERA over 67 1/3 innings with East Carolina University this season, underwent Tommy John surgery last month that will not allow him to pitch competitively until next June. The 21-year-old was projected to go within the first five picks of the draft before he suffered a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament.

The 6-foot-4, 192-pound hurler is lauded for his athleticism, and boasts a fastball that sits 92-96 miles per hour with a curveball and changeup that "both flash plus," according to Baseball America.

Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos commented on the selection, along with the 11th overall pick, catcher Max Pentecost. 

Here's a look at how the Blue Jays drafted in the last five years.