For a while there, the news wasn't good on Lance Berkman. There was a problem with his right knee, and the initial doctor's visit hinted at a torn ACL. That would have put him out for the year, and the 36-year-old Berkman even hinted at the possibility of retirement if that was the diagnosis.

After scans and second opinions, though, it turned out that Berkman had only a torn meniscus. Which still sounds really, really painful. But apparently it isn't. And now Berkman is hoping he can be back later in the month:

Joe Strauss: Berkman thinks he's going to be back shortly after the All-Star Break and doesn't think he'll need a rehab stint.

— Tim McKernan (@tmckernan) July 2, 2012

That's great news for the Cardinals, who have been forced to suffer through exceptionally productive play from players like Allen Craig and Matt Carpenter. The horror. The horror. But getting Berkman back would certainly get them back to the lineup they were expecting this offseason.