THE SIDELINES : Expos Lose Catcher to Scalpel

MONTREAL — Montreal catcher Nelson Santovenia will undergo surgery for torn cartilage in his left knee Saturday and will be lost to the Expos for at least six weeks.

Santovenia, who is batting only .191, was examined on Thursday in Houston by Astros Dr. Bill Bryan. Bryan confirmed the diagnosis of Expos Dr. Larry Coughlin, who will perform the surgery in Montreal.

“The feeling is there is a small flap-tear of the cartilage,” said Montreal trainer Ron McClain.

“If that’s the case, once they go in, then we think he might be able to play by the end of the year. We would have to be really happy to have him back in six weeks.”

The Expos activated pitcher Kevin Gross from the disabled list. Manager Buck Rodgers said the team will carry 11 pitchers and two catchers.