PITTSBURGH (AP) — Rockies first baseman Todd Helton was a late scratch from Colorado’s starting lineup because of a stiff lower back.
Manager Jim Tracy didn’t mention anything about Helton’s back before Friday’s game against the Pirates, and the lineup switch was not announced until moments before Helton’s scheduled at-bat in the first inning. Helton was replaced by Jason Giambi, who hit a three-run homer off Ross Ohlendorf in the first to give the Rockies a 3-0 lead.
Helton came in batting .294 with one homer and four RBIs. A 14-year veteran, Helton has played his entire career with Colorado and is the club’s career leader in virtually every offensive category.
