PEORIA, Ariz. — Todd Helton’s health is judged more accurately by a sense of humor than doctors. So when he walked through the clubhouse Friday, insulted a visitor followed by one of his vintage backslaps, it was obvious he’s feeling well enough to play. On an afternoon finally filled with good news — the Rockies’ first win, Aaron Cook named opening-day starter — it was learned that Helton will make his spring debut Sunday against the San Diego Padres at Hi Corbett Field.
Helton, 35, will go through sliding drills today, then, barring any setbacks, is scheduled to get two at-bats Sunday.
He has methodically worked toward this step following back surgery, taking groundballs, running the bases and facing live pitching from Randy Flores, Matt Belisle and Huston Street over the past week. A month until the opener April 6 at Arizona, Helton is on schedule to be ready, if his back cooperates.
“It’s a long spring. But I feel good,” Helton said after a recent workout.
Cook gets nod.
In what was a formality based on his resume, Aaron Cook was named the opening-day starter by manager Clint Hurdle. Cook will be followed by Ubaldo Jimenez. Cook’s previous opening-day assignment came in an 8-6 loss to the Diamondbacks in 2007.
“It’s an honor, but I just have to treat it like another game,” Cook said.
Stewart on mend.
Ian Stewart (left biceps) should return to game action either today or Sunday. “I want to get back out there,” Stewart said. “In my position, I need to play.”
At this point, Stewart is competing for a bench spot in a mix that includes Matt Murton, who has enjoyed a strong start; Scott Podsednik, who had his best game Friday; Carlos Gonzalez and Daniel Ortmeier. Hurdle said Omar Quintanilla’s ability to play shortstop will help his bid to stick as a reserve infielder. The clock will soon start working against Jeff Baker (left elbow), if he remains unable to throw.
Footnotes.
Street (stiff right quadriceps) was rusty after his six-day absence from game action, allowing two home runs. . . . Belisle (forearm) will make his debut Sunday or Monday. . . . Garrett Atkins (right hip flexor) will decide today if he will make the bus trip to Scottsdale.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
Rockies Recap
At the plate
Ryan Spilborghs snapped an 0-fer spring with a first-inning single. He reached base in all three of his plate appearances. Catcher Yorvit Torrealba homered.
On the mound
Opening-day starter Aaron Cook struck out six in four innings, logging 65 pitches. He threw primarily sinkers that manager Clint Hurdle called “filthy.” Manuel Corpas (four scoreless innings this spring) has inched ahead in the closer’s competition as Huston Street was tagged for five runs.
In the field
Second baseman Jonathan Herrera made the Rockies’ best defensive play of the spring, diving fully extended to spear a Chris Burke groundball.
Up next
The Rockies face the Giants’ Matt Cain today in Scottsdale. Those scheduled to pitch include fifth-starter candidates Jason Hirsh and Franklin Morales and Ryan Speier. Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
