Padres' Federowicz has significant MCL tear, out 3-6 months

The San Diego Padres received the worst-case diagnosis they were hoping to avoid: catcher Tim Federowicz has suffered a full tear of his lateral meniscus and will be sidelined for three-to-six months.

Padres manager Bud Black told reporters Friday that the tear in Federowicz's right knee was revealed to be significant during surgery, and he doesn't expect the 27-year-old catcher back until mid-June at the earliest.

Federowicz, who was competing for the backup job behind Derek Norris this spring, injured his knee during Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies. The defensive-minded backstop was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the December trade involving Matt Kemp.

Wil Nieves is expected to assume backup duties in Federowicz's absence.