Rockies placed 1B Todd Helton on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 5, with back soreness.

Helton is also dealing with mild discomfort in one of his hamstrings and will get an early start on the All-Star break. Brad Eldred has been called up in a corresponding roster move and is likely to split time at first base with Jason Giambi for the next week or so. Brad Hawpe has also done some work at first recently and could see some time there as well.

Todd Helton (back) is not in Tuesday's starting lineup against the Cardinals.

Helton played on Saturday and Sunday, but is still feeling soreness in his back. The Rockies will take it easy with him headed into the All-Star break. Jason Giambi will start at first base in his place.

Todd Helton (back) is out of Friday's starting lineup against the Giants.

Helton started each of the last two games, but is still being bothered by symptoms from earlier this week.

Todd Helton is back in the starting lineup against the Padres on Wednesday afternoon.

Helton missed each of the last two games with lower back stiffness.

Todd Helton (back) said he hopes to return to the starting lineup for Wednesday's finale against the Padres.

"It happens," Helton said of the lower back stiffness that has knocked him out of the lineup for the past two days. "I don't think it's any reason for concern. It's sore. I wouldn't call it pain." That's good to hear, but no doubt mindful of his history of back problems, the Rockies aren't going to mess around.

Todd Helton (back) is out of the starting lineup against the Padres on Tuesday night.

Helton was scratched from Monday's lineup with lower back spasms. He may need a couple more days. Melvin Mora will start at first base in his place.

Todd Helton had two hits, two RBI, two walks and three runs scored Thursday versus Boston.

Helton had two hits in all three games against the Red Sox. He's still suffering in the power department, but perhaps it's a start.

Todd Helton said that he will not undergo LASIK during the season.

"I won't be doing that," said Helton. The-36-year-old first baseman was fitted for soft contact lenses earlier this week, but is struggling with the transition. "It took like five guys to help me get them in today. I don't know how much longer I can do that." Helton is batting just .240 with one home run and 11 RBI this season.

Todd Helton, who enters play on Monday with a .250 batting average, has been fitted for contacts.

According to Renck, Helton was reluctant to see eye doctor at first because he thought it looked like he was making an excuse, but it could really help to his rapid decline. Then again, he is 36 years old, so a sudden dropoff shouldn't be a shock with any player, elite or otherwise.

Todd Helton, batting just .248 with a .321 slugging percentage this season, will be benched for the next two games.

The Rox also plan to drop Helton in their batting order once he returns. "This will give him a couple of days to clear his head," Tracy said. "And he will have some wiggle room in the lineup when he comes back." Jason Giambi is playing first base on Saturday against the D'Backs' Dontrelle Willis.

Todd Helton is getting a day off on Thursday.

Helton has played in each of the last 11 games, so he'll get a breather with the early start. Jason Giambi will start at first base and bat third against Dan Haren.

Todd Helton missed game one of the Rockies' day-night doubleheader due to flu-like symptoms.

Helton was replaced by Jason Giambi at first base. "'We switched out Giambi and Todd Helton because Todd was not feeling well at all last night,'" manager Jim Tracy told MLB.com's Owen Perkins Saturday morning. "'He was vomiting all night.'" If that's the case, it's a pretty good bet that he won't make a spot start in the second game of the doubleheader either.

Todd Helton is out of the lineup on Monday against the Phillies.

Jason Giambi draws the start at first base. The 39-year-old has struggled with the bat in the early going, registering just two hits in 22 at-bats (.091), but he has drawn eight walks (.364 on-base percentage).

Todd Helton is back in the No. 3 spot in the lineup against the Padres on Monday.

Carlos Gonzalez was just 2-for-12 over his three-game tenure in the third spot, so Helton returns to his familiar place in the batting order. He won't remain there unless he begins to hit for power again.

The Rockies have bumped Todd Helton to the No. 5 spot in the lineup.

Helton has primarily batted third during his career, but Rockies manager Jim Tracy would like to add some speed to the lineup, so Carlos Gonzalez will take his place, at least for now. The 36-year-old Helton is batting .271/.363/.329 with zero homers and four RBI over his first 70 at-bats this season.

Rockies president Keli McGregor was found dead in a hotel room in Salt Lake City on Tuesday morning.

The cause of death is so far unknown. "We didn't see anything suspicious," Salt Lake detective Rick Wall told the Denver Post Tuesday. "The official cause of death will be investigated by the Salt Lake City Medical Examiner's Office." McGregor was named president of the Rockies back in 2001 and was entering his 17th year with the organization. He was 48.

Todd Helton, who missed two starts with a stomach ailment, is batting third on Friday.

Jason Giambi returns to the bench.

Todd Helton is not in Thursday's starting lineup against the Mets.

Jason Giambi will start at first base and bat third against Mike Pelfrey.

Todd Helton is out of Wednesday's lineup against the Brewers.

Helton is expected to rest a bit more with the presence of Jason Giambi for a full season. Giambi is batting cleanup against Doug Davis on Wednesday.