I did a deep dive into the stats, and I've reached an undeniable conclusion. Jeff Hoffman is the Goldilocks of relievers.
Hoff is at his best in the 8th inning. The numbers back it up.
The 7th inning is his worst. Apparently there's just not enough pressure (aka the porridge is too cold). Avoid using him in the 7th at all costs.
The 9th inning is much better than the 7th and statistically it is almost indistinguishable from the 8th for him. But that doesn't fit my scientific theory that the 9th inning contains extra pressure (aka the porridge is too hot) that prevents him from reaching his true potential.
The 8th inning, though, is the porridge you want Jeff to be eating. It's juuuuust right. It has the perfect amount of pressure for Hoff to be at his absolute best.