Cardinals" Berkman Optimistic After Knee Surgery St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman is expected to miss 8 to 10 weeks after having surgery Friday on his injured right knee. That is unexpected good news for Berkman, who had thought he might miss the rest of the season and perhaps be forced into retirement. The team said that arthroscopic surgery found a partial tear in Berkman's medial meniscus, which was removed. Doctors also found a cartilage tear that was debrided, but judged the ligament sound. "Great news, as good news as we could get from this," said Manager Mike Matheny, who spoke with Berkman after the operation. "The conversation was, "I'm going to be back." " General Manager John Mozeliak also said he was encouraged, but he refrained from forecasting Berman's return to the lineup in late July or early August. "We should just be patient and see how things unfold over the next couple weeks," Mozeliak said. But we are optimistic that he'll play again for us this season, and we're hopeful it's sooner rather than later. The Cardinals could get pitcher Chris Carpenter back sometime after the All-Star break, too, although there is no timetable yet because he has not been cleared to throw. Carpenter has a nerve problem in his shoulder. "There is a level of optimism, given the strength he's gained," Mozeliak said. Allen Craig is expected to take over for Berkman at first base when he comes off the 15-day disabled list early next month, and center fielder Jon Jay is progressing from a shoulder injury. Mozeliak said he thought Craig, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, would be ready when eligible to play June 1. Berkman, 36, had feared possible damage to the anterior cruciate ligament after he injured his knee on May 19. Berkman has played only 13 games this season, also missing time with a pulled left calf muscle. He was a key part of the Cardinals" championship run in 2011, hitting .301 with 31 home runs and 94 runs batted in. ORIOLES" JONES NEAR EXTENSION The Baltimore Orioles and the agent for center fielder Adam Jones are nearing agreement on a contract extension. Jones's contract expires after this season, although he will still be under club control in 2013. Jones, 26, entered play Friday leading the first-place Orioles in batting average (.311), home runs (14) and runs batted in (29) among players with at least 17 games. WHITE SOX" DANKS ON D.L. The Chicago White Sox placed starting pitcher John Danks on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained left shoulder and recalled the left-hander Jose Quintana from Class AAA Charlotte to start on Friday against Cleveland. ... The Colorado Rockies put catcher Ramon Hernandez on the disabled list with a strained left hand and called up Wil Nieves from Class AAA Colorado Springs. ... The Toronto Blue Jays placed outfielder Ben Francisco on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain and recalled first baseman David Cooper from Class AAA Las Vegas.