Lance Berkman (knee) acknowledged this weekend that he is unlikely to return this weekend. Berkman has been taking regular batting practice but still hasn't tried to run at full speed. "It's probably a long shot that I will be playing in the playoffs," the veteran slugger told MLB.com. "Even if I were to get back out there physically, you still have the issue of not being game-ready. I don't think it would be fair to the team to be added to the playoff roster and take somebody's spot that could actually help us win."

Lance Berkman (knee) took swings Wednesday for the first time since his September 11 knee operation. Berkman is aiming to return to action before the end of the regular season and is hopeful that he'll be able to contribute as a pinch-hitter during the playoffs. But there is no guarantee that either will happen. The 36-year-old has undergone multiple knee procedures this summer.

Lance Berkman (knee) is not ruling out a return for the playoffs or possibly even sooner. "I'm not ruling anything out, but I'm not ruling it in, either," Berkman said. It's hardly a definitive statement, though Puma added that his knee is "recovering rapidly" from surgery earlier this month. If he does come back, he would almost surely be limited to pinch-hitting duty, but the Cardinals surely wouldn't mind having Berkman's bat off the bench.

Lance Berkman (knee) will be reevaluated Monday. According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Berkman will visit with the same doctor who performed arthroscopic surgery on his right knee back in May, and could be dealing with a setback. Limited to a part-time role since returning from the disbaled list, 36-year-old Berkman is leaning towards retirement this offseason.

Lance Berkman told FOX 26 Sports in Houston that if he decides to retire, he'll return to Rice University to finish his degree and work as a student assistant for the baseball team. Berkman won National College Player of the Year honors at Rice back in 1997. Owls coach Wayne Graham has said that he would welcome Berkman back. "That's very flattering to me that he would have that kind of trust in my knowledge of the game," Berkman said. "I mean you're talking about one of the true legends of baseball, especially in the Houston area, and for him to want you to be a part of his program is an honor and I would be excited about it because I'm passionate about that age group." Berkman has admitted that his cranky knees probably will never be 100 percent again and admitted recently that he was leaning towards retiring after the season.

Lance Berkman is in Wednesday's lineup against the Mets. This will be his first start since being activated from the disabled list. He may get the occasional start at first base down the stretch, but will likely be limited to pinch-hit duties due to his knee issues. Allen Craig is getting the day off Wednesday.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Lance Berkman will be limited to pinch-hitting duty. Berkman's knees still aren't 100 percent and aren't expected to get there at any point this month. Allen Craig will continue to be the regular first baseman. "Right now, I don't think we're in a position where we can start him," Matheny said. "We're going to let the medical team continue to try and get him into a more stable spot. After he pinch hits, I imagine there will be a pinch-running situation at this point."

Cardinals activated 1B Lance Berkman from the 15-day disabled list. Berkman isn't completely recovered from knee surgery and will be limited to a part-time role going forward. Allen Craig will remain St. Louis' starting first baseman.

Lance Berkman (knee) went 1-for-1 in his final rehab game Thursday evening at Triple-A Memphis. Berkman was removed after the first inning because of rainy conditions in the area. He is nowhere near 100 percent health, but the Cardinals are planning to activate him from the disabled list on Saturday to bolster their bench. "Big Puma" has played in only 28 major league games this season because of knee issues.

Lance Berkman (knee) had an RBI double and two walks in his latest rehab game Wednesday at Triple-A Memphis. Berkman served as Memphis' DH after struggling to play first base over seven innings on Monday. He's still experiencing discomfort in his right knee, but the Cardinals are going to activate him soon anyway and use him as a pinch-hitter down the stretch. Allen Craig will remain St. Louis' starting first baseman.