Lance Berkman (knee) is hoping to begin a rehab assignment by next weekend, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Berkman will run the bases and potentially take batting practice Saturday. Depending on how his body reacts, the next step will be to resume game action in the minors. 

Berkman, 36, was fantastic in his first year as a Cardinal last season, hitting .301/.412/.547 with 31 home runs. The production has been there when he's been in the lineup this season -- .333/.429/.571 -- but Berkman has only played in 13 games and last saw the field on May 19.