SAN DIEGO -- Padres closer Trevor Hoffman is unlikely to start the 2003 season.

	Hoffman

Padres general manager Kevin Towers said Saturday the 35-year-old Hoffman could require a second operation on his pitching shoulder, a setback that probably would sideline him for more than two months.

Towers said the problem isn't career-threatening, but he hoped Hoffman doesn't have to miss the entire season.

Hoffman, who's fifth on the all-time saves list with 352, is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder in October. The four-time All-Star hasn't thrown a baseball since the operation.

Towers said if Hoffman's shoulder pain persists this month, he likely would need more intensive surgery. That could put Hoffman out for the season.