Cardinals manager Mike Matheny received a call from Lance Berkman on Friday afternoon. Berkman called to inform Matheny that he plans to return to the team this season. The slugger had surgery on Friday to repair meniscus and cartilage tears in his right knee. St. Louis has announced that he will likely be out eight to 10 weeks following the procedure. Berkman had feared there would be damage to the anterior cruciate ligament but none was found. "I think he was surprised," said Matheny. "He thought it probably was worse. I was interested to hear from him that soon. I thought he would still be medicated. "But it was great to hear his voice and hear that excitement. He's thinking about counting down the days until he's back."