MIAMI — First basemen Todd Helton has suffered a setback in his recovery from a back injury, creating more uncertainty over when he might return.
Helton hit off a tee and did soft-toss in the batting cage on consecutive days this week, after which his back problems flared up, according to the Rockies’ training staff.
They are classifying it as back spasms, though they believe it is related to his lower disk injury.
They had hoped there would be more progress at this point, and there is no timetable for his return.
With only two months remaining in the season, the calendar is starting to work against Helton.
He will rest for the remainder of this weekend and be re-evaluated Monday when the Rockies return to Coors Field.
Center fielder Ryan Spilborghs is making steady progress from his left-side injury, suffering just normal soreness after playing catch for the first time this week.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
