Knee injury ends Soriano's season

CHICAGO, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Chicago Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano likely will not play again this season because of inflammation in his left knee.

He was shut down Sept. 3, and Manager Lou Piniella admitted Friday on the team's Web site that the prospects for Soriano's return in 2009 were "doubtful."

"I'm very disappointed, but I have to do what I have to do," Soriano told ESPN 1000 in Chicago before Friday's game against Cincinnati. "I want to get an operation sooner than later ... to get ready for next year."

Soriano, a far better hitter than fielder, has a .241 batting average with 20 homers, 55 RBI, and 11 errors in 219 fielding chances.

The batting average is well under the .280 he recorded in 2008.