For the first time in more than a week, Brewers manager Ken Macha briefed reporters Sunday morning and had good news to relay on the Trevor Hoffman front.

The new Milwaukee closer played catch for the first time since March 20, when he was shut down with a strained muscle along the right side of his rib cage, and both Hoffman and head athletic trainer Roger Caplinger told Macha they were encouraged by the session.

“We still have a long way to go, but we’re making progress,” Macha said.

With Opening Day looming on April 7, Hoffman is still likely to begin the season on the disabled list. But if he can get healthy in a hurry, the Brewers could backdate a stint on the DL such that Hoffman would only have to miss the first four games of the regular season.

Hoffman is likely to travel with the team for treatment when the Brewers break camp Thursday night and go to California for two exhibitions against the Dodgers and then the season-opening series against the Giants. At some point he could be sent out — either to Triple-A Nashville or Class A Wisconsin — for a rehabilitation outing or two.

The team is proceeding cautiously with the 41-year-old Hoffman, Major League Baseball’s all-time saves leader.

“We’re not even at step one,” Macha said. “Until he gets throwing on the mound, it’s hard to do projections.”

Hoffman last pitched in a Cactus League game on March 13. In three appearances, he allowed one hit and no runs.

Hookscenter.com wire report.