Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Corey Hart wants nothing more than to return to the team as soon as he is eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list. As of right now, it appears he should be ready for when May 30 comes along.
The 31-year-old is someone the Brewers desperately need back in the lineup. Even though the team appears to be handling their own since the incredible nine-game win streak, it is no secret that Hart is a huge part of the offense. There are several players raising their level of play in the absence of Hart and Aramis Ramirez, two of the team’s biggest offensive producers, but those players are just making ends meet until the return.
Related: Milwaukee Brewers’ Aramis Ramirez Expected to Return Friday
“Going from 2-8 with several question marks to being relevant,” Hart told Brewers.com. “It’s been nice to have these guys step up. It seems like every night someone is stepping up. The bullpen has been great. I want to be back, obviously, but I don’t have to force myself to do more because the guys are stepping up and doing well.”
Players such as Yuniesky Betancourt, Alex Gonzalez and Martin Maldonado have done a terrific job playing first base. Gonzalez has been outstanding on defense, while Betancourt has been exceptional at the plate. In fact, Betancourt is second on the team in RBI (20), which is very impressive considering he was not with the team during Spring Training.
Hart has admitted that it has not been easy sitting at home watching the games instead of helping his teammates win. However, he stated that it was a great experience to watch his friends compete on television every night.
“It’s awesome,” Hart said, according to Brewers.com. “At home, I felt like I was a super fan. Now I feel like I’m actually part of the team. Being around the guys, being in the clubhouse, I feel like I can contribute.”
Considering the nine-year veteran missed all of Spring Training, he will need to go on a rehab assignment prior to May 30 to get his bearings right. Expect Hart to start a 10-day stint in the minors on May 21 so that he is ready to play in the big leagues at the end of the month.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
