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JUPITER, Fla., March 26, 2013 – The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to today’s game that they will place third baseman David Freese (lower back strain) on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 23. The Cardinals also announced that they have optioned left-handed pitcher Sam Freeman to the Memphis (AAA) roster and recalled infielder Ryan Jackson from the Memphis roster. Freese had appeared in 12 spring games, batting .267 with 2 home runs and 5 RBI. Jackson was optioned off the Major League roster on March 17. He had appeared in 17 Grapefruit League games prior to that move. Freeman made two spring appearances, the most recent on Sunday, March 24. Today’s roster moves reduces the number of players on the Major League spring roster to 31. The team announced earlier this spring that pitcher Chris Carpenter and shortstop Rafael Furcal had been placed on the disabled list.

Cardinals third baseman David Freese will have an MRI on his back Monday. Freese has had only 15 at bats since falling into the stands going for a foul ball back on March 4th.

Meanwhile the Cardinals started strong, but blew a healthy lead against the Mets Sunday. Jake Westbrook pitched six innings, allowing just two earned runs, but then the bullpen came in and gave up seven runs in the final three innings...The Cards lost to the Mets 10-7.

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Chris Carpenter realizes his baseball career may be over.

The 37 year old right-hander made a surprise appearance at the St. Louis Cardinals' spring-training camp yesterday and said he's still dealing with numbing and tingling sensations in his pitching hand, arm and shoulder.

Asked if he wanted to continue pitching, the former Cy Young Award winner said, "I do. I just don't think I can."

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny has had surgery to repair a ruptured disc in his lower back.

Matheny had the procedure yesterday in St. Louis. Before leaving the team on Sunday, Matheny said he expected to be back at spring training for Thursday's game against Atlanta in Jupiter.

The 42 year old Matheny, who replaced Tony La Russa as manager after the 2011 season, said early in spring training that the injury probably traces back to his days as a big league catcher from 1994-06.

Bench coach Mike Aldrete is managing the team in Matheny's absence.

The Cardinal's will break ground today on phase one of the Ballpark Village development.

The team released new renderings of the development on Twitter yesterday.

The $100 million project will include the Cardinal Nation structure with a two-story restaurant, Cardinal Hall of Fame museum, and rooftop deck seating with a view of Busch Stadium.

A live concert venue and brew house will also be included in the first phase, which is set to be completed by opening day of 2014.