Major League Baseball

Hoffman ready to pitch again for Brewers

Published May. 21, 2010 12:03 a.m. ET

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Trevor Hoffman is ready to pitch again for the Brewers following an extensive bullpen throwing session aimed at straightening out the struggling closer's delivery.

Even if his next appearance isn't in a save situation, the majors' career leader with 596 saves won't be unhappy. What he wants is to be able to pitch effectively again.

The 42-year-old Hoffman was told he wouldn't pitch during the Milwaukee's two-game series in Pittsburgh so that pitching coach Rick Peterson could help him correct the angle from which he releases his pitches.

Hoffman was encouraged by what he called a ``little more intense of throwing session'' than normal with Peterson on Thursday. Hoffman also said it was evident in watching a breakdown of his delivery that his arm angle is different from the past.

The decision to temporarily shut down Hoffman was made after he didn't retire any of the three hitters he faced Tuesday in Cincinnati, giving up three runs in the ninth inning as the Reds rallied to win 5-4. It was the fifth blown save in 10 attempts for a normally reliable pitcher who blew only four of 41 save opportunities last season.

``I'm almost more embarrassed by it, to be honest with you,'' Hoffman said Thursday. ``I'm just trying to get back on track.''

The mechanical problem may be partly responsible for Hoffman's inability to effectively throw his best pitch, the changeup. That problem is forcing him to throw more fastballs than usual, and hitters are sitting on that pitch.

As a result, Hoffman is 1-3 with a 13.15 ERA, allowing 21 hits and seven home runs. Last season, he gave up only two homers.

If the Brewers want him to work another day or two with Peterson, Hoffman said he is fine with that. Manager Ken Macha said Wednesday it is uncertain whether Hoffman will close when he pitches again. The Brewers open a three-game series against Minnesota on Friday.

``I'm feeling great in the bullpen, but the idea is coming out in a game with it,'' Hoffman said. ``I'm just prepared for whatever they want me for tomorrow (Friday). We will worry about how I feel, too. ... The last thing I want to do is go into a game that is important again and not have all your (pitches), in a sense, either.''

While the Brewers are carrying 13 pitchers, Hoffman doesn't like leaving the bullpen short a man, even for a couple of days. He can't recall needing to take an in-season break to work on his mechanics, something that's more commonly done with starting pitchers than relievers.

``When you're in a middle of a storm, it's kind of hard to see outside of the situation that you're in,'' Hoffman said. ``I feel like I'm letting my ballclub down. Not being available, that's putting a strain on the bullpen. As much as you want to look at getting some things done, my concern is I'm putting more of a workload on the bullpen. It's not like you can just call a time-out in the middle of the season and start doing this stuff.''

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