Padres' Federowicz suffers MCL tear in right knee

San Diego Padres catcher Tim Federowicz is expected to undergo arthroscopic surgery after an MRI revealed a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee.

Federowicz, who suffered the injury during Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies, was competing for the backup job behind Derek Norris this spring. 

Padres manager Bud Black indicated that the team will provide an estimated timetable for recovery after surgery.

"We'll huddle with the doctors and (general manager A.J. Preller) tomorrow and see what the next course of action is," Black told reporters. "It depends on the significance of the tear."

Federowicz was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the December trade involving Matt Kemp.

Wil Nieves will likely assume backup duties in Federowicz's absence. The 37-year-old veteran signed a minor-league deal with the Padres this winter.