Cardinals activate Freese, Punto

[June 28, 2011]  ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The St. Louis Cardinals have activated third baseman David Freese and utilityman Nick Punto from the 15-day disabled list.

Freese played only four games for Triple-A Memphis during a rehab assignment from a broken left hand that has sidelined him since May 1. Punto played in seven games with Double-A Springfield while rehabbing from a right forearm strain.

Infielder Pete Kozma and outfielder Andrew Brown were optioned to Triple-A Memphis.

The Cardinals have lost 12 of 15 heading into six-game interleague trip to Baltimore and Tampa Bay.

Freese was batting .356 with two homers and 14 RBIs in 25 games and is expected to add depth to the middle of a lineup minus Albert Pujols. Punto, who could help at second base, was batting .262 with four doubles, two triples and 11 RBIs in 25 games.

[Associated Press]

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