Health not in the Cards for Berkman

Lance Berkman has spent more time on the DL than the diamond this season. That disparity is only going to increase now.

The St. Louis Cardinals placed their first baseman back on the disabled list, again due to a right knee injury, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.

Berkman missed almost two months after surgery to his right knee earlier this year, and that same knee was hit by a pitch in late July, eventually causing Berkman too much discomfort to play. He does, though, intend to make it back before the season ends, claiming he could return by the end of August, provided he can regain strength in the knee.

Matt Carpenter and Allen Craig will continue to do what they've done pretty much all season long -- fill in for Berkman. At this point, those two, who are slashing .291/.369/.477 (.845 OPS) and .297/.362/.557 (.919) OPS, respectively, are better options than the aging, injury-prone Berkman anyway.