Corey Hart: Surgery Will Force Brewers’ Star To Miss Remainder Of 2013

Corey Hart’s surgery will force him to the miss the rest of the season for the Milwaukee Brewers. Manager Ron Roenicke confirmed that Hart won’t be returning to the field in 2013 after he had left knee surgery on Friday.

Originally, Hart was forced into right knee surgery due to an injury which has kept him off the field so far this season, but his other knee is now the issue. His right knee procedure was in January, but he was expected to return to the team some time after the All-Star break.

Now he’s set to miss the rest of the year after apparently injuring his left knee while overcompensating during rehab. Last season, Hart hit 30 home runs with 83 RBIs and a modest .270 batting average.

Coming into 2013, Hart had hit 20-plus home runs in five of his last six seasons. The Brewers will miss his production at the plate as they’ve dropped to fifth in the NL Central.

Corey Hart’s surgery won’t make the team’s chances of regaining ground any easier. He’s been essential to the club’s lineup ever since breaking out at the plate in 2007.

Each of his first nine seasons in the MLB have come with the Brewers, but he is set to become a free agent this summer. His injury may affect his options this offseason, though it’s unknown whether the Brewers are interested in re-signing the star.

Yuniesky Betancourt has primarily been used at first base as Hart’s replacement this year, but he’s struggled at the plate so far. In 72 games, Betancourt is barely hitting over .200 and only has eight home runs along with 31 RBIs.

Before the injury, Hart’s numbers on the field suggested that he would receive a hefty multi-year deal this coming offseason. He may be forced to sign a shorter contract to prove he can still play on his bad knees, but his talent has never been a question.

Do you think Corey Hart’s surgery has drastically changed his future in the MLB?

[Image via Steven Paluch]