J.J. Hoover is struggling and Bryan Price says the Cincinnati Reds are considering a change at closer.

"I give it a lot of thought all the time, as you can imagine," Price said Wednesday morning. "I'd really love for him to be the closer, which is what I'd really like to see, but I do need him to perform at a more consistent level. There haven't been a lot of save opportunities out there to start the ninth inning. I'd like him to be a little bit sharper."

Through seven appearances and 5 1/3 innings, Hoover has a 15.19 ERA and a 2.25 WHIP, with 10 runs (nine earned), eight hits, four walks and three home runs allowed.

Price could potentially turn to Blake Wood or Tony Cingrani if he decides to replace Hoover as closer.