SAN FRANCISCO — Rockies first baseman Todd Helton remains committed to returning this season, if the irritated disc in his back cooperates. Helton never considered shutting it down for the year, and said Wednesday the team’s surge back into contention has only strengthened his resolve.
“That helps. The guys are doing their part. But also, I would never want it assumed that I wasn’t doing everything I can to get back, because that’s not who I am,” Helton said. “I want to play.”
Whether that’s realistic will become clearer this week. Helton took groundballs hit directly at him Wednesday and plans to hit off a tee Friday in San Diego.
The torque required to swing remains the biggest obstacle. Twice since he went on the disabled list July 4, Helton has suffered setbacks after taking cuts. Any more delays would likely preclude his return, barring a deep playoff run by the Rockies.
While the combination of Ian Stewart at third base and Garrett Atkins at first has produced an offensive boom, the Rockies miss Helton’s glove.
“I am running out of time. My back feels better, but the pain in my butt and left leg is still not where I want it yet,” Helton said. “If I wasn’t a baseball player, I would just be that guy in the office complaining about a little back pain. But I have to hit major-league pitching.”
Helton does not believe his injury is career-threatening. He turned 35 last week and has three years and $56.9 million remaining on his contract after this season.
“I trust what they are telling me, that this is something I can play through as long as I do stretching exercises and take care of it,” Helton said.
