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| Hart went for a second opinion before having knee surgery last week. (US Presswire) |
Brewers first baseman Corey Hart underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee last week, an injury that is expected to sideline him for 3-4 months. On Friday, he told the Associated Press he has already started rehab and there is a "realistic" chance he will return to the team in late-April, a month ahead of schedule.
"If it takes a little longer, then mid- to end of May, but I feel good about end of April," Hart said. "So basically, like 2011, when I came back and hit 26 homers in five months."
Hart, who will turn 31 next month, is a two-time All-Star who hit .270/.334/.507 with 30 homers last season. It was his third straight season of at least 26 homers. He had surgery on the same meniscus in March 2011, and he returned in late April to have the best year of his career (133 OPS+). Hart joins Ryan Braun, Rickie Weeks and Aramis Ramirez to give Milwaukee enviable power from the right side of the plate.
The Brewers are expected to use Mat Gamel -- who is recovering from his own knee surgery -- at first base for the time being. Manager Ron Roenicke said there's "still the possibility" the team will pursue outside help for the position, evidenced by its recent interest in Lyle Overbay. Overbay has since signed with the Red Sox.
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