PHOENIX -- Catcher Lou Palmisano returned to Milwaukee on Monday to have surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee, a spokesman for the Brewers said.

The surgery will put Palmisano on the shelf for the first three months of the '08 season.

"It's a pretty good operation," manager Ned Yost said. "They've got to sew it back. They can't go in and just trim it up."

With the 25-year-old Palmisano sidelined, the Brewers have five catchers left in Major League camp: Jason Kendall, Eric Munson, Mike Rivera, Andy Bouchie and Vinny Rottino.

Yost said Palmisano hadn't been factored into the team's plans this season.

"He's an up-and-comer," Yost said of Palmisano. "He's really coming. I've seen him before. He's been in Spring Training for three years. He's gotten better and better and better every year -- better as a defensive player and an offensive player."

In 2007, Palmisano spent the season with Double-A Huntsville in the Southern League. He played in 103 games for the Stars and batted .256 with 11 homers and 63 RBIs.

His steady progress has made Palmisano someone for the organization to watch. His injury, though, is a setback.

"He'll miss a half a season," Yost said. "He's advancing and getting close."