The starting rotation, a chief area of concern at the start of the season, stabilized behind the work of RHP Braden Looper and RHP Dave Bush. With nine quality starts in 10 outings, the starters were more than doing their part. And with closer Trevor Hoffman off the disabled list, the bullpen figures to fall into place now, too. That leaves it to the hitters, and with Nos. 3 and 4 hitters Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder perking up, the lineup is starting to look like the force many expected coming out of spring training.
PLAYER NEWS: --RHP Trevor Hoffman was activated from the 15-day disabled list (oblique strain) and will take over the role as closer, as originally planned when he signed a $6 million free-agent deal over the off-season. Hoffman made two one-inning relief appearances for Triple-A Nashville, allowing two hits and one run each time. In Hoffman's absence, the Brewers' bullpen was charged with six blown saves, most in the majors. The Brewers were charged with two blown saves Saturday night in their 9-8, 11-inning victory in Houston, with RHP Todd Coffey losing a lead in the eighth inning and RHP Carlos Villanueva (unearned run) doing likewise in the ninth.
--LHP R.J. Swindle was optioned to Triple-A Nashville to make room on the roster for the addition of RHP Trevor Hoffman from the disabled list. Swindle made one appearance in the week he was with the Brewers, allowing two hits and one run in 1 1/3 innings Tuesday in Philadelphia. With Swindle's demotion, the Brewers go back to having just one left-hander in the bullpen, Mitch Stetter.
--OF Brad Nelson got his first start of the season Sunday as manager Ken Macha gave RF Corey Hart a rest. Nelson was 0-for-8 as a pinch-hitter and was unable to break through as a starter, going 0-for-4 and leaving five runners on base.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Trevor Hoffman (right oblique strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Nashville on April 21, and he was activated April 26.
RHP David Riske (right elbow tightness) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 10. He will attempt to rehab the elbow through mid-May, but if he is unsuccessful, he might need Tommy John surgery.
ROTATION:
RHP Jeff Suppan
RHP Yovani Gallardo
LHP Manny Parra
RHP Braden Looper
RHP Dave Bush
BULLPEN:
RHP Trevor Hoffman (closer)
RHP Todd Coffey
RHP Carlos Villanueva
RHP Seth McClung
LHP Mitch Stetter
RHP Jorge Julio
RHP Mark DiFelice
CATCHERS:
Jason Kendall
Mike Rivera
INFIELDERS:
1B Prince Fielder
2B Rickie Weeks
SS J.J. Hardy
3B Bill Hall
INF Craig Counsell
INF Casey McGehee
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Ryan Braun
CF Mike Cameron
RF Corey Hart
OF Chris Duffy
OF Brad Nelson
