Hart signs one-day deal to retire with Brewers

MILWAUKEE -- When Brewers manager Craig Counsell conjured the idea of a Wall of Honor at Miller Park, similar to an installation he'd seen outside AT&T Park in San Francisco, it was with players like Corey Hart in mind.
"He's not going to be a Hall of Famer. He's not going to have his number retired," said Counsell. "But his name should be kept alive because he made contributions -- and some really significant ones -- over a good chunk of time."
Those contributions were noted on a plaque installed on the exterior wall at Miller Park near the stadium's "Hot Corner" entrance on Friday, when Hart signed a ceremonial one-day contract and formally retired as a Brewer. His achievements included a pair of All-Star appearances, two seasons with 30-plus home runs, and the fact Hart was at the front end of the group of prospects that lifted the Brewers into contention during the mid-2000s. He was part of both of Milwaukee's postseason appearances in 2008 and '11.

Twice on Thursday during a press conference with his entire extended family on hand, Hart fought tears while talking about his 13 years in the Brewers organization.
"I'm the first person in history to have three standing ovations and strike out," Hart said, referring to his 2004 Major League debut, when the Miller Park faithful were so hungry for a prospect push they went wild during an at-bat that included a long fly ball. "The fans could see where the organization was going. They appreciated the fact that something good was coming."
Since lower body injuries forced the end of his playing career in 2015, Hart has played the role of dad with wife Kristina and their four kids in suburban Phoenix.
When Brewers general manager David Stearns presented Hart with his old No. 1 jersey to wear one last time, the oldest of the Hart brood, 12-year-old Matthew, asked, "Are you playing today?"
Hart still follows every game, but as of Friday, his playing days were officially over.
"Hopefully this is just the start of things down the road for us," he said. "After my kids are older, this is all we want to do -- be a part of this organization."
Scahill up, Lopez down
The Brewers' bullpen shuffle continued Friday when they purchased Rob Scahill's contract from Triple-A Colorado Springs and optioned Jorge López back to Double-A Biloxi. Lopez covered the final two innings of Thursday's win at Cincinnati in his first Major League appearance since 2015.

It's Scahill's second stint with the Brewers, who have aggressively swapped out relievers to maintain a fresh bullpen this season.
"There is probably going to be some movement over the next couple of weeks as we go through different starters in that Chase Anderson spot," Stearns said, "and we're comfortable with that."
The Brewers need a replacement in the rotation beginning Monday for Anderson, who suffered a left oblique strain on Wednesday against the Reds. He was examined Friday afternoon by Brewers head physician William Raasch and will miss at least a month, Counsell said.

Franklin to Angels
Three days after designating him for assignment, the Brewers traded utility man Nick Franklin to the Angels for a player to be named later or cash. Teams typically have six days to formally complete such transactions.
Franklin hit .195/.258/.317 in 89 plate appearances for the Brewers after being claimed off waivers during the opening week of the season. He became expendable after outfielder Ryan Braun and infielder Jonathan Villar returned from the disabled list on Tuesday.