Todd Helton’s day started with pomp and circumstance but ended with a headache.
Helton left the game in the fourth inning with what the club called “migraine symptoms.” He is day to day. Helton went 0-for-2, snapping a four-game hitting streak.
Manager Clint Hurdle said he didn’t think Helton had ever suffered migraines before.
Before the game, the first baseman was honored for the milestone 2,000th hit of his career, which came last week in Atlanta. With music from “The Natural” playing to the crowd, the club showed a video of his biggest hits on the giant scoreboard beyond left field.
With team owners Charlie and Dick Monfort, club president Keli McGregor, general manager Dan O’Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle standing by his side, Helton received a framed memento of his achievement. It consisted of photos of Helton’s swing at various points of his career, as well as The Denver Post article chronicling his 2,000th hit.
Fogg returns.
Right-hander Josh Fogg, back with the Rockies for the first time since the 2007 World Series, pitched a scoreless sixth, setting the Dodgers down in order.
“It’s great to be back,” said Fogg, who was called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Monday morning. “I think I’m in a place where I can help the team.”
To make room for Fogg on the 40-man roster, the club designated reliever Matt Belisle for assignment.
Fogg, 32, was 3-1 with a 5.80 ERA in eight starts for the Sky Sox. He said he expects to be used as a long reliever for the Rockies.
“I had work to do to get back to the place I was a couple of years ago,” he said. “I think I got some things worked out in the Springs, so I hope I can give (the Rockies) some quality innings.”
Fogg said he has been working on his mechanics, trying to get his pitches, his sinker in particular, to have more action in the strike zone.
