Cards hope to have Berkman back by Friday

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Lance Berkman is aiming to return from the disabled list on Friday, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The 36-year-old veteran was placed on the 15-day disabled list back in April, after he suffered a strained left calf. Berkman was not yet recovered from the injury when he first became eligible to re-join his team last Friday.

"It was better, so that's definitely a step in the right direction but still not enough to push it over the top," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said.

Berkman, who is batting .348 with six runs and two RBI through seven games, hopes to return this Friday when the Cardinals host the Atlanta Braves.