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   Baseball fans who plan to go downtown for today's opening day festivities may find their usual route to Busch Stadium blocked.  St. Louis Police are advising revelers to leave early because of road changes and closures due to construction of Ballpark Village.  

• 8th Street is now a two-way street between Clark and Market with two north and southbound lanes.
• Temporary stop signs are currently in place at the intersections of 8th Street and Clark, as well as 8th Street and Walnut.
• Walnut is now a two-way street between 8th Street and Broadway, with one westbound lane and two eastbound lanes.
• 7th Street is no longer in existence.

   Pedestrians should also note that the pedestrian bridge between the Stadium West garage and the ballpark has been removed.  

   Those choosing to drive are urged to “park smart” — park in well-lit, populated areas, concealing valuables by placing them in compartments or in the vehicle’s trunk prior to arrival. The department strongly encourages citizens to leave firearms at home. Events such as baseball games are no place for firearms, as they are not allowed inside Busch Stadium and leaving them in a vehicle creates opportunity for criminals. Don’t let your legal firearm become an illegal firearm.

   Event-goers are also advised to remain aware of their surroundings and if choosing to consume alcohol, are urged to drink responsibly. Criminals often target those who appear to be most vulnerable, including those who might be intoxicated.

   There will be a significant law enforcement presence in all areas surrounding Downtown and Busch Stadium. We strongly encourage anyone who sees criminal or suspicious activity to alert a nearby officer or dial 9-1-1.

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) - The St. Louis Cardinals put third baseman David Freese on the 15-day disabled list yesterday because of a lower back strain, and hoped he would heal in time for the home opener April 8 against Cincinnati.

Freese joined St. Louis closer Jason Motte on the DL. The Cardinals earlier this spring lost shortstop Rafael Furcal for the year with an elbow injury and pitcher Chris Carpenter with a potential career-ending nerve injury.

Utilityman Matt Carpenter is expected to start the season at third in place of Freese, the 2011 World Series and NL championship series MVP. Freese, who will be 30 next month, hit .293 with career best of 20 homers, 79 RBIs and 144 games last season.

Carpenter played at five positions last year and added second base this spring. He batted .294 with six homers and 46 RBIs in 296 at-bats last year. Carpenter, 27, has 26 career starts in two seasons at third.

Infielder Ryan Jackson was recalled from Triple-A Memphis. Left-hander Sam Freeman was optioned to Triple-A.

In 12 spring training games, Freese was batting .267 with two home runs and five RBIs. The move was retroactive to Saturday

Jackson was optioned to the minors on March 17 after appearing in 17 spring training games. Freeman made two exhibition appearances.

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."