Major League Baseball

Corey Hart happy to rejoin Brewers as he rehabs

Published Apr. 30, 2013 1:45 a.m. ET

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Corey Hart is happy to be hanging out with his teammates again, even though it'll be a while before he returns to the lineup.

Hart, a two-time All-Star, has rejoined the Milwaukee Brewers as he rehabs from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in January. The first baseman has not played yet this season.

He met up with the Brewers as they completed a weekend series in Los Angeles and returned to Miller Park in Milwaukee on Monday, where he will keep working out.

Hart batted .270 with 30 home runs and 83 RBIs last season. He is on the 60-day disabled list and won't be eligible to play until May 30.

''I'm obviously not 100 percent, but I've progressed a lot lately,'' he said before Milwaukee's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. ''The last week and a half I've done a lot of strengthening and a lot more things on the field.''

Hart said his recovery slowed this month, which resulted in him being transferred to the 60-day DL. He initially had hoped to return in late April or early May.

''I hit a little bump in the road,'' Hart said. ''It was very frustrating, but I stayed with it.''

The 31-year-old Hart, who lives in Arizona, had been rehabbing at the Brewers' facility in Phoenix.

''At home, I felt like a super fan,'' he said. ''I was always looking at my phone. I can't miss a game. Now I feel like I'm actually part of the team, being around the guys, being in the clubhouse, being in the dugout. I feel like I can contribute and talk to guys and be a part of the team again.''

Hart's exercise program includes quadriceps strengthening exercises and even water aerobics.

He praised the effort of the Brewers, who lost eight of their first 10 games before winning nine straight at one point. They were 12-11 heading into Monday night's game.

''I want to be back, obviously, but I don't have to force myself because the guys are stepping up and doing well,'' he said.

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