SAN FRANCISCO — Three months of chronic back pain could finally conclude with surgery for first baseman Todd Helton on Tuesday. Three weeks of an annoying ache for center fielder Willy Taveras turned out to be a broken right tibia.
Helton, 35, will undergo arthroscopic surgery by noted Southern California spine specialist Robert Watkins to repair an irritated disc. Trainer Keith Dugger said Helton would be ready for spring training. Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal had a similar surgery this season and returned. Helton knew surgery was a possibility, something he said last week he hopes “addresses the problem.”
The Rockies owe Helton $56.9 million on a contract that expires after the 2011 season if a club option is not exercised. General manager Dan O’Dowd dismissed Wednesday recent Internet speculation the Rockies would attempt to deal their Gold Glove first baseman.
“We are not entertaining trade offers for Todd. We just need to wait and see what the recommendations are from Dr. Watkins. And we have to monitor his rest and recovery. We were going to do that anyway,” O’Dowd said.
Taveras’ season ended in abrupt manner. An MRI revealed a stress fracture, leaving him with a league-best 68 stolen bases.
“It was bothering me when I jogged. It’s tough for it to end this way,” Taveras said.
Taveras finished 12 plate appearances shy of triggering a $50,000 incentive clause in his contract.
