Peoria, Ariz. – Todd Helton did not avoid playing the Padres on Thursday night to make a trip to San Diego.
With Team USA first baseman Derrek Lee hurting, Helton’s name surfaced as a potential replacement for the final round of the World Baseball Classic at Petco Park. One problem: Helton was not listed on the Americans’ 52-man provisional roster, leaving him ineligible for the event.
“I know I wasn’t (on it). Do you have to rub it in?” Helton joked before an afternoon workout at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson. “They should take Ian Stewart with the way he’s hitting.”
After working with his former college hitting instructor this winter, Helton began camp hot. He has since cooled off, batting .259, triggering the obligatory questions about his back. Helton insists he feels strong. General manager Dan O’Dowd said Helton is “in the best shape of his career. There are no problems.”
Helton’s availability became irrelevant when Mexico eliminated Team USA on Thursday 2-1, as Rockies reliever David Cortes recorded the save.
Clock ticking on Fogg
Starting pitcher Josh Fogg, slowed by a strained right groin, is running out of time to make the team, and could open the season on the disabled list.
Pitching coach Bob Apodaca said it would take “the hand of God” for Fogg to make Sunday’s scheduled start. Fogg is competing with Zach Day, Sunny Kim, Jose Acevedo and Miguel Asencio for the fifth starter’s job. Day, out of minor-league options, threw two side sessions after his last game and has been told to be more aggressive with his sinker today.
Asencio pitched 4 2/3 innings and allowed three runs. Manager Clint Hurdle said, “A lot of things would have to happen for him to be considered for that (fifth) spot. He needs to get innings.”
Apodaca will attempt to carve out three starts for Sunny Kim and Byung-Hyun Kim, the team’s fourth starter, when they return from the WBC, possibly beginning with a minor-league game Tuesday. “They really need to pitch past the fifth inning, get between 75 to 80 pitches before camp ends, to be ready,” Apodaca said. Sunny Kim could open the season in the bullpen.
Footnotes
The Los Angeles Angels recently approached the Rockies about a deal involving middle infielder Alberto Callaspo. The Diamondbacks eventually snagged him after Colorado balked at the Angels’ asking price of 100 mph pitching prospect Franklin Morales. … No excuses will be available regarding baseball’s stricter drug policy. As with all teams, Rockies players were shown a video and given pamphlets in English and Spanish. Last season, the lost-in-translation explanation was given by a couple of major-leaguers who tested positive for steroids. … Outfielder Jorge Piedra (right heel) could begin getting at-bats in minor-league games next week to test his injury. Catcher Yorvit Torrealba (sore shoulder) and left fielder Matt Holliday (World Baseball Classic) are candidates for similar work. … Right fielder Brad Hawpe returned to the lineup after missing two games with a strained left groin.
Troy E. Renck can be reached at 303-820-5447 or trenck@denverpost.com.
