Worth noting

• With Carlos Beltran getting the night off, David Freese was in the lineup batting second Friday for just the 14th game of his career. Freese has hit .267 (12-for-45) in 13 games from the two-hole with three RBIs, three walks and seven strikeouts.

• Shane Robinson begins a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield this weekend as the club hosts Midland for a three-game series. Robinson (right shoulder strain) is eligible to come off the disabled list next Thursday.

• The Cardinals are teaming up with St. Louis Coca-Cola and Shop 'n' Save to host a baseball-themed active lifestyle clinic Saturday for about 50 athletes from the Missouri and Illinois Special Olympics chapters. St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay will be in attendance for the event and will toss out the ceremonial first pitch.