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(AP) -- Lance Berkman is scheduled for season-ending surgery on his troublesome right knee Tuesday, leaving the St. Louis Cardinals without a dangerous bat as they try to secure a playoff spot.
 
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny announced the news Monday before his team played the San Diego Padres.

The defending World Series champions began the night with a 1½-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the race for the second NL wild-card spot.
 
Berkman, who had surgery on the same knee in May, traveled to Houston on Monday to meet with the medical team that performed the first operation.

The same group of doctors will perform the surgery Tuesday.

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