The Cardinals’ Lance Berkman hurt his knee last Saturday; a torn meniscus was diagnosed, and Friday, he had surgery:

Lance Berkman underwent right knee surgery today; initial projection for his rehabilitation and recovery is approximately 8-10 weeks.

— MLB (@MLB) May 25, 2012

This indicates, though does not confirm, that Berkman did not tear his ACL, because that likely would have put him out for the year (if not ended his career).

An eight-to-ten-week rehab and recovery schedule would allow Berkman to return around the beginning of August, if all goes well. In the meantime, the Cardinals will have to do with Matt Carpenter and/or rookie Matt Craig at first base. Both of those players have been productive in Berkman’s absence already this season.

The Cardinals keep getting injured, and they keep on winning anyway. Seems unfair, somehow.

For more on the Cardinals, please visit Viva El Birdos and SB Nation St. Louis.