Rockies place 1B Helton on 15-day DL

Jul 4, 2008 - 10:37 PM DENVER (Ticker) -- The Colorado Rockies placed first baseman Todd Helton on the 15-day disabled list on Friday with a strained lower back.

The five-time All-Star acknowledged over the past few weeks that he has had an "issue" with his back but never felt the need to clarify exactly what the problem was, according to the team's web site.

The pain became so bad, however, that Helton decided to sit out Thursday's opener of a four-game series against the Florida Marlins.

"As we move forward, I think he's going to (take more time off to rest)," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said before Thursday's game.

Helton, who has missed just four of Colorado's 85 games this season, left Wednesday's 8-1 victory over San Diego in the eighth inning after going 0-for-2 with two walks.

He was a .332 career hitter coming into this season, but has been struggling all season at the plate. The 34-year-old is hitting .266 with seven home runs and 29 RBI in 81 games this year.

The Rockies recalled infielder Joe Koshansky from Class AAA Colorado Springs to take Helton's roster spot.

Koshansky, 26, was hitting .281 with 18 homers and 78 RBI in 82 games with Colorado Springs this season.