August 31, 2008 Rockies first baseman Todd Helton took batting practice on the field as he attempts to return to the team after suffering from a bad back, according to the Denver Post.
August 28, 2008 Todd Helton is not giving up and remains committed to returning to Colorado this season, according to the Denver Post. Helton never considered shutting it down for the season, and said Wednesday the team's surge back into postseason contention has only strengthened his determination. Helton said, "That helps. The guys are doing their part. But also, I would never want it assumed that I wasn't doing everything I can to get back, because that's not who I am. I want to play."
August 25, 2008 Todd Helton ran in the Colorado outfield, and he will begin to take batting practice soon, according to the Rocky Mountain News.
August 23, 2008 Todd Helton, who has been out since July 3 with lower-back problems, was in uniform but was limited to playing catch Friday, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Helton is encouraged by recent developments, but trainer Keith Dugger said the Rockies will be very cautious in Helton's rehab program. Twice already, Helton had been cleared to start swinging a bat, but both times, his back problem flared up. Dugger said Helton is "not even close" to swinging a bat and that, "if he can tolerate this for four or five days, we will consider the next move."
August 19, 2008 Rockies trainer Keith Dugger was upbeat after getting back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins review of first baseman Todd Heltons situation, according to the Rocky Mountain News. He said Watkins confirmed the problem with the L5 disk, and recommended continuation of the rehab program Dugger had in place. The problem we have is we dont have a time frame before us for stepping back into baseball activities, said Dugger. We have to move step by step. Todd felt really good (Tuesday).
