Jeff Kent needs knee surgery:

Jeff Kent will undergo an operation on his left knee Tuesday that could end his season and 17-year career. An MRI exam this morning showed that Kent, who is contemplating retirement, had a torn medial meniscus.

Manager Joe Torre and General Manager Ned Colletti said they were holding out hope that the 40-year old Kent could return this season.

Kent was on a good roll until a few days ago. Overall, however, his 2008 season was a big disappointment as both his OBA and his slugging percentage collapsed. Without the injury, he might have continued his hot hitting and helped the Dodgers to a playoff spot. That is going to be tougher for the team now.