San Diego - Brewers general manager Doug Melvin just confirmed that first baseman Mat Gamel has a torn ACL in his right knee and will need surgery, and likely is lost for the season.

Melvin said an MRI taken last night after the game showed the ACL tear and that team doctor William Raasch already had confirmed the injury. Melvin said the timing of the surgery would depend on swelling in the knee and when it subsides but it would be a minor miracle for Gamel to return this season.

"We'll wait until the doctor looks at it," said Melvin. "Yovani (Gallardo) had a torn ACL (in 2008) and pitched in the playoffs. We're anticipating long-term."

"It's part of the game," said Melvin. "It was an accidental injury. You categorize them as accidental or preventative."

Melvin said it was a tough blow for the team because the Brewers wanted to know if Gamel was the long-term answer at first base. As well, it was cruel for Gamel, who was finally getting his chance as a regular at first base after the departure of Prince Fielder.

"He was getting his chance; he had waited for his chance and opportunity," said Melvin. "It looked like he was trying to avoid the wall (while chasing a foul pop fly). That's what's tough about it.

"At the end of the year, we've still got to know who our first baseman is. That's why this year was a big year for him, with the opportunity. We still would like to think it's Mat but you would have more information. "

Without confirming the move officially, manager Ron Roenicke and Melvin indicated utility infielder Brooks Conrad would be coming up from Class AAA Nashville. That would allow a platoon with left-handed hitting Travis Ishikawa but there also will be consideration about moving rightfielder Corey Hart to first base, a position he once played.

Conrad hit a two-run homer for Nashville earlier today and is batting .400 with five homers and 13 RBI.

"It keeps your scouting staff working; keeps our minds going; keeps your development people working," said Melvin. "For now, we'll fill from within. Travis will be out there. Making trades aren't as easy as people think.

"We have guys putting lists together -- guys that have played, guys that haven't played (such as Derrek Lee).

"Ron will have a conversation with (Hart) if he hasn't already. First base isn't as easy to play. This isn't Little League where you take turns playing positions. The routine plays, yeah. But it's the 3-6-3 double play; it's the flip to the pitcher (covering the bag). You have to cut off relays. When you're used to playing right field and you're going to play the infield in, you're a little closer to the hitter.

"But, if he's willing to do it, players step up, I wouldn't be surprised if he was willing to do it."

The Brewers already have had two major injuries, including the torn rotator cuff of left-hander Chris Narveson, who had season-ending surgery earlier in the week.

"We always say to win, you've got to have a lot of things go right," said Melvin. "You've got to have a big year out of somebody you didn't count on; you have to stay free of injuries. But it gives opportunities to other people, too.