PHOENIX — Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman was put on the 15-day disabled list, ruling him out for the start of the season.

The move made Monday is retroactive to March 27 for Hoffman, who strained his right oblique muscle after pitching an inning on March 13. It was expected because the 41-year-old Hoffman has had little activity for about three weeks.

The all-time saves leader signed a $6 million, one-year contract with Milwaukee as a free agent in January from San Diego.

Brewers manager Ken Macha says he will continue to evaluate potential candidates to fill in for Hoffman, who has 554 career saves. The most likely to step in would be right-hander Carlos Villanueva.