The St. Louis Cardinals have activated third baseman David Freese from the 15-day disabled list for the team's home opener against the Cincinnati Reds. Freese will hit sixth in the team's batting order on Monday.
"This is a day I don't ever want to miss," Freese, who grew up a Cardinals fan in suburban St. Louis, told ESPN. "I know one day it's going to come to an end, but as many times as I can I'd like to be a part of this special day."
Freese said he was 100 percent, adding that he "Feels like it's February." Freese hit .293 last season with career highs of 20 home runs and 79 RBIs while playing in 100 games for the first time.
"If he wasn't 100 percent, he wouldn't be here," manager Mike Matheny said. "So he's ready to go and we're excited to watch him do his thing."
Matt Carpenter filled the role at third base in Freese's absence. Carpenter is hitting .320 with four RBIs.
Freese strained his lower back tumbling into the stands while chasing a foul ball during spring training and missed the first six games.
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