Trevor

Hoffman

Hoffman, coming off shoulder surgery, ''threw as hard as I can’’ yesterday while playing long toss and hopes to start throwing from the mound Sunday. We don’t really see the point in his trying to return this season.

Hoffman has been playing catch from 70 feet, but GM Kevin Towers said yesterday, ''I don’t think he’ll pitch this year,’' and manager Bruce Bochy agreed: ''I’m more and more of the mentality that he’s not going to pitch this year. The last thing I want to see is him rush back.’' It was thought that Hoffman could return sometime in July, but with the Padres clearly going nowhere, there really is no reason to rush him back. Those owners still holding on to Hoffman should drop him. Matt Herges’ value would appear to get a slight bump, though it’s hard to see him holding on to the closer’s job that long anyway.

''We’re going to go with how he feels now,’' said manager Bruce Bochy, indicating the team is moving past their original every-three-days schedule for Hoffman.

Hoffman, 36, pitched a scoreless inning yesterday in his spring debut. His next step is to attempt pitching in back-to-back games for the first time since September 2002.

Hoffman’s hitting 88 mph, where he had previously averaged 85-87. The layoff for surgery and renewed mechanics have helped him, as if he needed help. The extra velocity will only make his changeup look nastier. Hoffman’s back to being an elite closer in the NL.

''This outing flowed. Trevor threw free and easy,’' said Padres assistant trainer Jim Daniel. Hoffman is targeting a Sept. 1 return. Hoffman should be picked up in all leagues where a tight saves race could determine a winner.

Hoffman will join the Padres Sept. 2 if there are no setbacks.

The team is being careful with Hoffman, mapping out his appearances. For now, Rod Beck appears worth holding on to.

''He was amazing,’' catcher Miguel Ojeda said. ''His change-up looked like it wasn’t going to get there. All I can say is he is a great pitcher. It looked like he wasn’t hurt.’' Barring a setback, Hoffman will pitch with Double-A Mobile later this month and join the Padres on Sept. 1.

Hoffman is angling for a new deal that will keep him with the Padres for the rest of his career. Health permitting, the 36-year-old right-hander believes he can work into his early 40s. ''I’d like to pitch into 2008, 2009,’' Hoffman said. He’s 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA and 14 saves this season, but could easily miss the All-Star game due to all the quality competition among NL closers.