Hart hopeful of returning to Brewers lineup early

PHOENIX (AP) - Corey Hart hopes to be back in the Milwaukee Brewers lineup sooner than expected, even though he has a brace on his right knee and needs crutches to get around the clubhouse.

Hart says he's always pretty positive and doesn't think it's unrealistic to think he could be ready to play in late April.

Hart, who had surgery Jan. 22 to repair a torn meniscus and other damage to the joint in his right knee, said Thursday wants to beat the odds and come back as fast as he can. He is scheduled to have an MRI in about two weeks.

Manager Ron Roenicke says he'll still count on getting the first baseman back in late May, but that it'd be great for that to be earlier.