From Outback Steakhouse to the penthouse.
Rockies first baseman Todd Helton spent three days in Casper on a rehab assignment, buying the team spread at Outback, before returning Tuesday to the Rockies. His legs stronger and back better, Helton was activated, hitting second in the lineup.
“I had fun up there. They made me feel younger,” Helton said of his stint with the short- season Ghosts.
Helton remained unsure of his status when he arrived at the ballpark, and was less certain after Dexter Fowler avoided the disabled list. But the Rockies wanted Helton in the second spot in the order, so Jonathan Herrera was the tough-luck roster casualty.
“I don’t want to throw too much on his plate,” manager Jim Tracy said, tempering expectations for Helton. “But knowing the damage that CarGo and Tulo are doing, it makes us better if Todd’s getting on in front them. He knows how to reach first base.”
Helton’s situation is a day-to- day proposition based on his health. He singled in his first at-bat, rifling a shot to left field, before striking out in his second plate appearance.
Helton was Shamu in a small pond. Locals followed him around Casper before games, and the club set attendance records. One opposing pitcher even talked smack to him in Spanish, telling Helton how he was going to bust him inside. Helton promptly delivered a hit.
Fowler better.
Fowler likely won’t start until Friday after bruising his left ribs. He felt much better Tuesday, and the Rockies didn’t want him out for two weeks. Fowler’s injury shook up his parents, who were in attendance Sunday.
“My mom called my brother crying. It was tough,” Fowler said. “That catch ranks up there. It’s awesome to keep the team from losing.”
Footnotes.
Carlos Gonzalez, who began Tuesday’s game hitting .320, on talk of winning a batting title: “It’s way too early for that.” . . . Herrera will be back in September, if not sooner, Tracy said. . . . The Rockies claimed infielder Wes Hodges off waivers from Cleveland, assigning him to Triple-A Colorado Springs. They cleared a roster spot by shifting Matt Daley to the 60-man disabled list. . . . The winner of Monday’s “Bachelorette,” Roberto Martinez, was a 21st-round draft pick of the Rockies in 2001 out of high school. He didn’t sign, pitching instead at the University of Tampa.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
