--RHP Wes Littleton, recently claimed off waivers from the Red Sox, was outrighted to Class AAA Nashville on March 25 after clearing waivers. Littleton suffered through a miserable spring with Boston, posting an 18.56 ERA in six relief outings.

--INF/OF Jason Bourgeois, who was slowed by a broken finger this spring, was reassigned to the Brewers' minor league camp. Bourgeois, who signed as a minor league free agent over the winter, was seeing action mostly in the outfield.

--C Angel Salome, sidelined for much of camp with a back strain, was optioned to Class AAA Nashville. The injury prevented Salome from making an impression on new manager Ken Macha and his staff.

--3B Mat Gamel, one of the Brewers' top offensive prospects, was optioned to Class AAA Nashville on March 25. He hit .240 (6-for-25) this spring.

--RHP Trevor Hoffman was sidelined with an oblique strain in his right side, putting his status for Opening Day in jeopardy. "I'd say it's cloudy right now," said manager Ken Macha, who admitted he didn't know if Hoffman had enough time to get ready.

Hoffman said: "Anytime you have an injury, no matter how big or small it is, when you get down to two or three weeks before the season starts, your concern is where it should be. Obviously, it's not much (of an injury), but you're still dealing with limited time."

RHPs Seth McClung and Carlos Villanueva are candidates to fill the closer role if RHP Trevor Hoffman is unavailable for Opening Day, Macha said.

--RHP Eduardo Morlan, a Rule 5 draft pick from Tampa Bay in December, was reclaimed by the Rays after clearing waivers. The Brewers decided they had no room in their bullpen for Morlan after he posted a 6.43 ERA in five exhibition appearances.

--OF Tony Gwynn Jr. finally was cleared to play in the field with two weeks remaining in camp after being sidelined with a shoulder impingement. Gwynn is out of minor league options, so the Brewers might have a difficult roster decision looming as they make their bench decisions.

--C Mike Rivera missed more than a week of action with a right hamstring strain but returned in plenty of time to get ready for the season. Rivera again is slated to be the backup to No. 1 C Jason Kendall.

BY THE NUMBERS: 5 -- Home runs for RF Corey Hart in his first 40 at-bats during exhibition play. Hart was batting .450 (18-for-40) with a .975 slugging percentage.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I want somebody who's going to get on base. He might lead off some games. We'll see how matchups and all that other stuff goes." -- Manager Ken Macha, on the possibility of batting C Jason Kendall in the leadoff spot.