1 Corey Hart, 1B

Brewers manager Ron Roenicke told MLB.com on Wednesday that Corey Hart has been making progress in his return from right knee surgery and could be nearing a rehab assignment.

Hart is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list May 30.

"Hart has been out running four days now without trying to take the weight off it," Roenicke said. "That is a good sign; we're still probably a couple weeks away from him going out on a rehab. That's kind of guessing -- I don't mean exactly -- but we're somewhere in there. Then we'll see how long he goes out for."

Brewers first basemen Corey Hart, on the 60-day disabled list with a knee injury, said he isn't sure whether he will be ready to return once his stint on the DL expires May 30, MLB.com reports. Hart added that he hasn't experienced any setbacks but that his rehab is going slower than expected

"It really depends. If I have one really good week, then I can go play [for a minor-league affiliate]," Hart said. "Or, it could take until the middle of June. I don't know until I can do quick movements without it hurting, and we're not there yet."

In his Reality Check column Tuesday, Scott White set about ranking his top disabled list stashes, and he ranks Brewers first baseman Corey Hart No. 12. Hart has been disappointing already, in the sense that his recovery from knee surgery has already taken longer than expected; he is not eligible to return until May 30, when he comes off the 60-day DL.

However, Hart is also one of the most dependable power hitters in the league over the last few years, and he should avoid the physical pounding of an outfielder when he returns. Hart has hit at least 20 home runs in five of the last six years, and he has hit at least .268 in as many seasons as well.

The top of the Brewers' order is playing at a high level, but their No. 4 hitters are putting up a collective .524 on-base plus slugging percentage. Hart should fill that role and put up solid numbers right away, so don't think about cutting him loose as he recovers.