Trevor Hoffman gave up five runs in the ninth to Pittsburgh and blew his third save Tuesday. What may be more troubling are the pitches he is throwing – and not throwing – to opposing hitters.

Hoffman has doled out no shortage of 85-86 mph fastballs, which produced all four hits he gave up tonight. Yet, his changeup is noticeably absent, as until now he had thrown it 19.4% this year, compared to 34.5% in 2009 and a 31% career rate. This time – excluding IB – it accounted for just three of his twenty pitches. That exceptional change has always made his fastball a better offering, especially last year. In 2010 it hasn’t been there, and people are starting to wonder why.

Manager Ken Macha is one of them: “I have to talk to him to make sure he uses all his pitches…It is a concern. The last three outs of the game are most critical. So are there concerns? Yes.” Macha also expressed his confidence in Hoffman as “…the all-time saves leader…[who has] a pretty good feel for what he’s doing out there.”

Regardless, this is now the second time that Hoffman has surrendered 2 HR’s in an inning (with 5 total in 8 IP), and his ERA now sits at 13.50 for the season. While Todd Coffey and LaTroy Hawkins carry the most 9th inning experience, Carlos Villaneuva would seem to be next in line for the closer’s role, with 11 IP, 0 ER, and 14 K’s.

Hoffman has a 1 year/$8M contract with the Brewers this year with a $7M mutual option for 2011. Consider the 42-year-old on a tight leash.