Trevor Hoffman will make at least one more appearance in a set-up capacity before a possible return to the closer role.

Hoffman pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning against the Twins on Sunday, a positive step forward. John Axford closed out the game, but that was primarily because Carlos Villanueva threw 44 pitches in Saturday's extra-inning affair. Either could get a chance at saves in the next few days, but the Brewers seem determined to find a way to fix the future Hall of Famer. With a couple more scoreless outings, he'll get the call in the ninth inning again.

Trevor Hoffman's mechanics have passed muster and he will be available to pitch out of the Brewers' bullpen Sunday.

He will not, however, be their closer. The Brewers have not yet found his replacement, and one wonders if he'll eventually move back into that role, but he won't pitch the ninth right away. Given yesterday's bullpen-killing 12-inning game, it's likely that Hoffman will see at least an inning in Sunday's game.

Trevor Hoffman will spend the next couple of days working on his mechanics before a decision is made on his status as closer.

Hoffman will not pitch in games until he shows improvement with his mechanics, meaning save opportunities will go to someone else for the next few days. The Brewers haven't indicated who that might be, but Carlos Villanueva is the safe bet. Hoffman has already blown five saves this season and could be completely removed from the role if things don't improve.

Following Tuesday's loss to the Reds, Brewers manager Ken Macha dodged questions about whether Trevor Hoffman would be removed from the closer role.

Macha said he would need to talk to Brewers pitching coach Rick Peterson before addressing Hoffman's status as the closer. While taking responsibility for his poor performance, Hoffman didn't exactly sound like someone who was ready to step aside. "I can't worry about that," said Hoffman. "I feel prepared and ready to go out there. I'm just not getting it done." Fantasy owners shouldn't give up on Hoffman quite yet, but those desperate for saves could do worse than grab Carlos Villanueva just in case.

Mopping up against the Braves, Trevor Hoffman allowed three runs in the ninth Wednesday, taking his ERA back up to 12.00.

The Brewers had to get Hoffman some work -- he hadn't pitched in five days and he had made just two appearances in 13 days -- but Hoffman had a very rough outing after being brought in with the team down 6-2. He uncharacteristically walked the first two hitters he faced and he went on to give up two doubles, scoring three runs. It won't be held against him, given the rust and the likelihood that the Brewers were going to lose anyway.

Trevor Hoffman pitched a hitless ninth for a save against the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Hoffman isn't pitching apart from save chances, so he's worked just twice the last eight days. Still, he's pitched scoreless innings both times and his hold on the closer's role appears fairly secure again.

Trevor Hoffman picked up a save against his old team with a perfect ninth Saturday versus the Padres.

Hoffman struck out one while protecting a one-run lead. The save was his first since April 15 and fourth overall. He's already blown four chances.

Brewers manager Ken Macha suggested Wednesday that he may begin using other relievers in the ninth inning to spell struggling closer Trevor Hoffman.

Hoffman has not lost the job -- let's get that straight -- but the fact that Macha is beginning to talk about using other options is fairly significant. Carlos Villanueva and LaTroy Hawkins should be put on watch lists in all fantasy formats. Hoffman, a future Hall of Famer, has a 13.00 ERA through nine innings this season and has already blown four saves. He's struggling, to say the least.

Trevor Hoffman blew a fourth save by giving up another homer to Ryan Doumit in Wednesday's game.

Hoffman gave up a grand slam to Doumit on Tuesday. It was just a solo shot today, but it was enough to cost the Brewers a one-run lead in the ninth, and Milwaukee ended up losing in 14 innings. Maybe the Brewers will decide its time to give Hoffman a break until he finds his changeup. It's not a velocity issue, so he still figures to bounce back. If the team does decide to back off Hoffman, then LaTroy Hawkins would be in line for saves.

Brewers manager Ken Macha said that Trevor Hoffman will remain the closer.

Macha conceded that his early season struggles were a "concern," but said that he has no plans to give the ball to another reliever in the ninth inning. "He's the all-time saves leader," said Macha. "I mean, I think he's got a pretty good feel for what he's doing out there." Hoffman blew his third save in six chances on Tuesday and has allowed five home runs over just eight innings this season after allowing just two in 54 innings last season.

Trevor Hoffman overcame some very shaky defense to pick up a save Thursday against the Cubs.

Hoffman gave up a run for the fourth time in five appearances this season, but it was hardly his fault. Corey Hart lost a ball in the sun for what was ruled a leadoff double to start the ninth in a three-run game. The run then scored on a popup that fell in between Hart, who was playing extremely deep, and second baseman Rickie Weeks. Hoffman went on to end the game by getting the tying run, Aramis Ramirez, to fly out to center.

Trevor Hoffman blew a second save already by giving up three runs in the ninth Sunday against the Cardinals.

Hoffman's first blown save was excuable, as Nick Stavinoha hit a pitch that shouldn't have hit. Tonight, though, Hoffman gave up three runs on back-to-back homers from Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday. Early-season struggles are nothing new for him, but now we'll spend the next few days reading articles about how baseball's all-time save leader may finally have lost it.