The Milwaukee Brewers announced that first baseman Corey Hart will undergo surgery on his right knee next week to repair a torn meniscus. Dr. William Raasch will perform the surgery Tuesday in Milwaukee. The Brewers estimated Hart’s recovery time to be 3 to 4 months. The best case scenario would have Hart ready at the end of April, but then would need a minor-league rehab stint before returning to the Brewers.
Hart, who had surgery on his right knee last spring to repair cartilage damage, experienced swelling in that same knee during offseason workouts. “Corey can’t pinpoint it to one specific episode,” said Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash. “He was doing his offseason workouts and the knee started to swell up. So, we’re a little stumped on that front. Dr. Raasch did not think it was something that Corey could or should play with. But, like Corey said, ‘I’m a quick healer.'”
Mat Gamel will likely take over as the Brewers first baseman when the season opens. Gamel suffered a knee injury in 2012 himself. Gamel hit 246/.293/.348 with a homer and six RBI in 21 games before his injury. Hart, a 30-year-old two-time All-Star, hit .270/.334/.507 with 30 homers, 83 RBI, 91 runs and 35 doubles.
In other Brewers news right-handed pitcher John Axford avoided arbitration after agreeing to a one-year deal worth $5 million. Axford struggled with a 4.67 ERA in 2012 but is expected to return as the Brewers closer in 2013.
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