Lance Berkman unlikely to return this year

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman told reporters, including Steve Oberbey of MLB.com, that he’s unlikely to return this season following recent knee surgery:

"It's probably a long shot that I will be playing in the playoffs," he said. "When I physically feel that I can get out there, I'll try to get out there."

Berkman underwent his second knee surgery of the season on Sept. 11. Initially the procedure was termed season-ending, but reports surfaced soon after that there was a chance the slugger would be able to rejoin the Cardinals this year.

Berkman has been able to take batting practice in the cage every other day, but admits that even if he’s able to return physically, he still wouldn’t necessarily be "game-ready."

The two knee surgeries have limited Berkman to 31 games this season. Over 80 at-bats the 36-year-old has hit at a clip of .296/.409/.544 with seven doubles and two home runs.

Berkman’s contract is up at the end of the season, and there have been reports that the veteran is considering retirement.