Hoffman working toward spring training debut

Mar 12, 2010 - 7:00 PM PHOENIX(AP) -- Brewers manager Ken Macha says Trevor Hoffman is on track to make a few spring training appearances before the season begins.

Hoffman has yet to appear in an exhibition so far, and the Brewers have been giving the 42-year-old career saves leader extra rest. Hoffman started last season on the disabled list with a strained right oblique muscle and missed the first month.

Macha says that Hoffman's intensity in his most recent bullpen session was high and that getting into a game is not a "pressing issue." He says Hoffman is working through some upper back stiffness.

Hoffman saved 37 games with a 1.83 ERA for Milwaukee last season. He has 591 saves.