23 David Freese, 3B

Cardinals third baseman David Freese enjoyed a big night at the plate as he unleashed his first home run of the season Friday night against the Brewers.

Freese launched a grand slam in the first inning off starter Wily Peralta. He finished 1 for 4 with a run scored and four RBI in a 7-6 victory.

Freese has one hit in six of his last eight games. He is hitting .211 with one home run and eight RBI in 91 at-bats.

Cardinals third baseman David Freese has been unspectacular with a .216 average, .546 OPS, and no home runs. But buried in those stats is a recent streak that should offer Freese owners (and would-be owners) hope. 

Over 39 at-bats this month, Freese is hitting .282 with a double and four runs scored. Although he spent April dealing with injury and a .216 BABIP, Freese has hit safely in eight of 11 games this month and hashas a .367 BABIP in May. 

Owned in just 68 percent of leagues, Freese is quietly getting into a nice groove, and it's only a matter of time until third base speculators take notice. Forget Freese's ugly April and focus on his .296 career average coming into 2013 (Freese's lowest batting average in his four seasons has been .293 and he's seen his power rise as he received more at-bats). Taking a chance on Freese now should mean several months of solid average, along with maybe 12-15 home runs, as he distances himself from the ugly start. 

Cardinals third baseman David Freese has returned to the team's starting lineup Thursday.

Freese did not play Wednesday for matchup reasons, according to MLB.com. He's struggled this year, hitting .216/.296/.250 in 88 at-bats. Freese will bat sixth against Mets pitcher Jonathon Niese. 

Cardinals third baseman David Freese has made some strides the past couple of games, but is still looking to go on a prolonged streak.

Freese has hit safely in the team's last five games, but he hasn't produced in any other areas. Freese has yet to hit a home run this season. Through 85 at-bats, Freese is hitting just .224/.298/.259. For now, he continues to be plugged into the middle of the Cardinals' lineup. He'll hit fourth and play first Tuesday against Mets starter Dillon Gee. 

Cardinals third baseman David Freese hit 20 home runs in 567 plate appearances in 2012. This season, he has yet to hit his first after 79 plate appearances.

Hitting .208/.278/.250, Freese has really struggled at home where he's 4 for 25. The Cardinals kick off a 10-game homestand Friday against the Rockies.