Cardinals’ Lance Berkman out for the season

St. Louis Cardinals’ Lance Berkman’s injury-riddled season has come to an end. He flew home to Houston to have his right knee examined, and found out he needs meniscus surgery, which will be performed on Tuesday, according to the team.

Berkman had been recovering from a similar surgery preformed in May, but his comeback was slowed when he was hit by a pitch on July 24.

Berkman was recalled to the Cardinals on Sep 1, for pinch-hit duties.

After a meeting with general manager John Mozeliak, manager Mike Matheny and trainer Greg Hauck it was decided that Berkman would shut it down for the season.

Berkman has indicated 2012 maybe his final MLB season after making just six plate appearances since Aug. 3 and playing in only 31 games all season. He says, “I’m leaving my options open.”

“I felt like I’ve pretty much exhausted all other avenues,” Berkman said. “I did the strengthening program, two injections, one in each knee. There were things we tried. It wasn’t happening. Unfortunately, this is the last resort. I gave it a go.”