MIAMI — Todd Helton didn’t go to Asheville after all. After weighing his health and the advice of head trainer Keith Dugger, Helton decided early Thursday to return to Denver rather than begin a rehab assignment for the Single-A team.
Helton will work on strengthening his legs for about the next week to 10 days. When his legs and back feel better, he will go on a rehab assignment.
“There was no injury or anything like that,” Dugger said. “You just can’t do strengthening every day and baseball activity. He needs some more time, that’s all.”
Dugger admitted he had no idea when Helton would return. It’s a fluid situation, but the first baseman almost certainly won’t be back until early August.
Helton was understandably frustrated this week. After a terrific workout over the weekend in Cincinnati, he was poised to return from the disabled list Wednesday.
But his batting practice sessions didn’t go well in Florida, his swing compromised by weakness in his hamstrings.
“I think the best way to describe it is this: He’s still not feeling strong enough,” manager Jim Tracy said. “It has everything to do with the strength factor.”
Jason Giambi has performed well in Helton’s absence. He went 2-for-4 on Thursday to raise his average to .280.
Bullpen row “over.”
You don’t need binoculars to see this is a big series for the Rockies in Philadelphia. But those looking for Colorado to continue seeing red over the actions of bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer will be disappointed.
“That situation has been rehearsed and discussed. It’s over with,” Tracy said.
Major League Baseball warned the Phillies for cheating after Billmeyer was caught using binoculars to steal catcher Miguel Olivo’s signs during a May 12 game at Coors Field. Another member of the Phillies’ bullpen was raising and lowering his legs, leading the Rockies to believe he was signaling pitches.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel denied his team was stealing signs. The Mets have accused the Phillies of illegally swiping signals in the past. Answering a question about the Mets on the day of the Rockies controversy, Manuel said, “Keep crying.” His answer was taken out of context by some media outlets, which said it was directed at the Rockies.
The “crying” comment heightened Tracy’s anger. Manuel has tried twice unsuccessfully to reach the Rockies’ manager to explain the situation.
“In fairness, he has called. I have a lot of respect for Charlie Manuel,” Tracy said. “He’s doing what he has to do to protect his flock, and I did the same. That’s part of the game. It’s over with.”
CarGo hopes to go.
Carlos Gonzalez was limited to pinch-running Thursday because of swelling in his left index finger. He will take batting practice today in hopes of returning to the lineup. It’s more likely he starts Saturday.
“It felt better. I want to play,” Gonzalez said.
Dexter Fowler’s bruised left arm continues to hurt, so it’s unclear whether he will be able to start.
Footnotes.
Troy Tulowitzki played six innings for Triple-A Colorado Springs. He went 0-for-2 and scored a run. He will be available to pinch hit for Tulsa tonight before playing nine innings in back- to-back games Saturday and Sunday. He’s eyeing activation for the Rockies’ game Tuesday against the visiting Pirates. . . . Jonathan Herrera, who has a minor-league option remaining, continues to hit. He doubled Thursday and has at least one hit in 27 of the last 29 games.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
