Oct 2, 2008 - 7:48 PM
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Helton, who has experienced back problems since 2002, had pressure relieved from a bulging disk that led to just his third career trip to the disabled list this season. The procedure was performed by Dr. Robert Watkins at Marina Del Rey Hospital in Los Angeles.
The five-time All-Star hit .264 with seven home runs and 29 RBI while playing in only 83 games this year. He spent more than two months on the disabled list with a strained lower back before making two appearances as a pinch hitter in mid-September.
Helton has spent all of his 12-year career with the Rockies and leads the franchise in almost every batting category. A former first-round pick, he has hit .328 with 310 home runs and 1,116 RBI in 1,661 games and is just 43 hits shy of 2,000.
