Brewers' Hoffman sidelined

The Brewers expect to start the season without new closer Trevor Hoffman, who strained his right oblique muscle while pitching against Kansas City on March 13 and hasn't thrown since. Manager Ken Macha said the team's training staff expects Hoffman will be out another week and he will need two bullpen session before facing hitters.

Hoffman, the major-league career saves leader with 554, signed a $6 million, one-year contract with the Brewers.