Good news for Hart thus far in camp. (US Presswire)

The last news on injured Brewers first baseman Corey Hart was that he had successful surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. That was almost three weeks ago, and now the latest is that Hart is ahead of schedule.

Via Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:

"It's going ahead of schedule," said Hart. "Everything has come faster than they thought it would come. They tell me I am (ahead of schedule). All my swelling is gone already.

"I have to get an MRI at four weeks (from surgery). If that shows the spot they fixed is healed then I can start regular rehab."

Initial reports had Hart missing four months, which would put him out until late May at the earliest. But Hart told reporters Wednesday he hopes to be back before the end of April. He'll know a lot more after that aforementioned MRI, which is scheduled for Feb. 22.

Hart, a 30-year-old two-time All-Star, hit .270/.334/.507 with 30 homers, 83 RBI, 91 runs and 35 doubles last season. In his absence, expect Mat Gamel to get the majority of the time at first base, though Alex Gonzalez is reportedly going to get some reps there, too.

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