Rockies report: Helton still hurting

By Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published August 4, 2008 at 2:33 p.m.

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Video: Tracy Talk: The Rockies start a four-game series with the Nationals on Monday. Jeff Francis will pitch the third game of the series and be lined up along with Ubaldo Jimenez and Aaron Cook when the Arizona Diamondbacks come to town next week. Watch »

First baseman Todd Helton underwent a magnetic resonance imaging exam Monday that confirmed the disk problems that have created lower back problems and forced him on the disabled list July 3.

"There was no surprise," trainer Keith Dugger said. "We just have to slow down and continue the rehab."

Helton began swinging a bat last week, but after two days developed spasms that forced him to stop.

"It's frustrating to feel like you aren't helping your team," he said. "A week ago, I thought I was getting close and then there was a setback."

LIVAN LARGE

With Livan Hernandez clearing waivers today, any team that picks him up will have to pay only a prorated portion of the minimum $390,000. The Twins have to pick up the remainder of the $5 million contract.

The Rockies will make a push. Several teams also will be pursuing Hernandez, including the Mets, who lost John Maine to an injury, and Arizona, which has Yusmeiro Petit in the rotation.

Hernandez had the two best Coors Field games of his career last year with Arizona, but he is 4-5 with a 6.50 ERA lifetime. The question is whether time has taken its toll or if he just didn't fit in the AL (4-7, 6.64ERA in last 14 starts).

NEW FACE

Right-hander Steven Register joined the Rockies, replacing left-hander Valerio De Los Santos, who was designated for assignment.

The Mets claimed Register from the Rockies when Colorado didn't protect him on the roster this winter. But when the Mets cut him in spring training, the Rockies took him back. Register said that "let me know I was still in their plans."

Register, the Rockies' third-round draft choice in 2004, was 5-2 with 16 saves and a 3.28 ERA in 48 games at Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Register's stay might be short. The Rockies will make a roster move Wednesday when they activate left-hander Jeff Francis from the disabled list.

ETC.

Rockies radio announcer Jack Corrigan will undergo outpatient back surgery today and figures to be missing from the broadcast booth for a game or two. . . . Left-hander Jeff Francis (left shoulder inflammation), who will be activated from the disabled list and start Wednesday, said he was pleased with his third and final start at Double-A Tulsa. "There was no pain," he said. "I made quality pitches." . . . Cory Sullivan got the start in center field against Redding, giving Willy Taveras a day off after starting a day game after a night game in the humidity of Miami. Manager Clint Hurdle is trying to protect Taveras' legs. . . . Sullivan, called up for a second time this season a week ago, made his second start of the season. He appeared in 10 games, one start, when he was up from May 25- June 4, and has appeared in four games in the week since returning, including pinch running and scoring the winning run Sunday in Florida. . . . Left fielder Matt Holliday and right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, who led the majors with five wins and had a 1.74 ERA in July, were the runners-up to Milwaukee left fielder Ryan Braun and left-hander CC Sabathia for the NL Player and Pitcher of the Month awards.

• August 4, 2008

  4:46 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  flybys writes:

  Steven Register has a chance to help the bullpen if given time to acclimate himself. He should be given such an opportunity considering this team is not showing the signs of consistency necessary to be a winner.

  Register is not a dominating performer and will have his "get rocked" days. With the disappointment of the pitching staff all around this season, it is time for an arm like Register to be afforded some patience.

  If Juan Morillo, all arm, no pitcher, got his shot, then Register deserves some space in which to find his legs.

• August 5, 2008

  7:35 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  HippyLippy writes:

  Helton, try Egoscue for your back and get on the field. Took care of my back problems after years of pain. Non-surgical! They fixed up John Lynch, Jack Nicklaus and Junior Seau. I know this sounds like an ad but I'm just a normal Joe believe it or not....boy I'll catch heck for that.
  HippyLippy

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