Freese sees action in Triple-A rehab game

SAN FRANCISCO -- David Freese went 1-for-4 and played seven innings for Triple-A Memphis on Friday, marking the first game action the third baseman has seen since March 22.

Freese, who opened the season on the disabled list with a lower back injury, was scheduled to begin a Minor League rehab assignment Thursday. However, rain washed that game out, leaving Memphis to play a pair of seven-inning games Friday.

Freese batted third and played third base in the first game of the twin bill. His two-run double highlighted an eight-run fifth inning for Memphis, which won the game, 9-0, over Oklahoma City. Freese did not make a play in the field. He was not scheduled to start the second game of the doubleheader.

Asked if Thursday's postponement left Freese sufficient time to wrap up his rehab stint this weekend, manager Mike Matheny said, "We'll hear how that goes and see how he feels. We've got Saturday and Sunday to play with, too, before we make any kind of decision."

Freese and the Cardinals initially set their sights on Monday's home opener for the third baseman's return from the disabled list. Freese has been nursing back pain on and off since tumbling into the stands during a Spring Training game March 4.