
The 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: --C Mike Rivera left the game Tuesday night in the fourth inning with a sprained left ankle. Rivera's foot was bent backward on a slide by Pittsburgh's Brian Bixler, who scored on a sacrifice fly. X-rays were negative and there was little swelling, but Rivera was limping noticeably afterward. Rivera only starts every fifth day when RHP Dave Bush is on the mound.
--RF Corey Hart established career highs when he reached base five times and also drew three walks Tuesday night in a 6-5 victory over Pittsburgh. Hart, who walked only 27 times in 612 at-bats last season, is trying to be more patient and already has drawn 12 walks in 20 games.
--RHP Trevor Hoffman picked up his first save with the Brewers on Tuesday night and No. 555 for his career. It was the first save for Hoffman for a team other than San Diego since June 7, 1993, when he recorded one for Florida against the Dodgers. Hoffman missed the first 18 games of the season with an oblique strain.
MEDICAL WATCH:
C Mike Rivera (sprained left ankle) left the April 28 game. X-rays were negative.
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