The St. Louis Cardinals released some positive news on Friday, reporting that 1B Lance Berkman should be ready to return as soon as Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds. Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said Berkman had "checked all the boxes" with respect to his physical state and now the manage just needs Berkman's okay:
"Ultimately, it's usually the player's call, especially a player with a lot of tenure," Matheny said.
Berkman was a key component to the Cardinals' 2011 World Series run, hitting 31 homers with an impressive .301/.412/.571 slash. So far in the 2012 season, however, injuries have limited him to just 49 plate appearances and a single home run.
When Berkman returns, the team figures to slot 1B Allen Craig back into his super utility role.
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