Manager Ken Macha said it's going to take some time to sort out roles in the bullpen, especially with closer Trevor Hoffman on the disabled list. Another factor making it tougher was that RHP David Riske pitched poorly throughout spring training and was awful in his first outing of the season. RHP Todd Coffey had been the most trustworthy in the late innings, and it remains to be seen how RHP Carlos Villanueva will do as interim closer after going 1-for-2 in his first save opportunities. LHP Mitch Stetter also must be more consistent in retiring left-handed hitters after an erratic spring.
PLAYER NEWS: --C Mike Rivera made his first start of the season Saturday night after Jason Kendall played the first four games. Manager Ken Macha wants to keep Rivera matched up with RHP Dave Bush so that Kendall, 34, can get some rest every five days. Last year, Kendall started a franchise-record 149 games.
--RHP Trevor Hoffman, who began the season on the disabled list with an oblique strain, played catch from 120 feet Saturday and is ready to resume throwing off a mound. Hoffman hasn't thrown off a mound since March 13. He is expected to be ready for a minor-league rehabilitation assignment by next week.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Trevor Hoffman (right oblique strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He hopes to return before the end of April.
ROTATION:
1. RHP Jeff Suppan
2. RHP Yovani Gallardo
3. LHP Manny Parra
4. RHP Braden Looper
5. RHP Dave Bush
BULLPEN:
RHP Carlos Villanueva (closer)
RHP Seth McClung
LHP Mitch Stetter
RHP David Riske
RHP Todd Coffey
RHP Jorge Julio
RHP Mark DiFelice
LINEUP:
1. 2B Rickie Weeks
2. SS J.J. Hardy
3. LF Ryan Braun
4. 1B Prince Fielder
5. RF Corey Hart
6. 3B Bill Hall
7. CF Mike Cameron
8. C Jason Kendall
RESERVES:
C Mike Rivera
INF Craig Counsell
INF Casey McGehee
OF Chris Duffy
OF Brad Nelson
