Todd Helton picked up three of the Rockies' 14 hits in their 7-1 loss to the Dodgers on Monday.

It's very hard to lose when you collect 14 hits as a team, but the Rockies somehow managed to do so tonight, stranding an absurd 26 runners. They had one runner thrown out at home, while grounding into three double-plays. As for Helton, the three-hit night was his first since April 14, and just his third of the season.

Todd Helton returned to action on Sunday May 22.

Todd Helton (back) is out of the lineup for the second straight day Friday.

Helton is currently unavailable due to stiffness in his lower back. Jason Giambi, who homered three times for the first time in his career Thursday, will fill in at first base once again.

Todd Helton is not in Thursday night's lineup against the Phillies because of a sore lower back.

Helton injured himself while sliding into second base Wednesday night. The Rockies are starting Jason Giambi at first base on Thursday and are hoping Helton will be fine with one day of rest. The Colorado veteran is batting .323/.375/.548.

Todd Helton launched a solo homer in Saturday's loss to the Padres.

He also scored twice and drew a walk. In addition to his .319 batting average, Helton now has five home runs over his first 113 at-bats this season. He hit just eight in 398 at-bats last year.

Todd Helton is back in the starting lineup for the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Mets.

He'll bat sixth against Chris Capuano. Jason Giambi played first base in the first game.

Todd Helton is not in the Rockies' lineup for the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Mets.

We didn't expect Helton to play both games of the doubleheader, especially considering his recent back issue. Jason Giambi will start at first base and bat fifth against knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.

Todd Helton (back) returned to the starting lineup Wednesday.

He was in Tuesday's lineup before the game was rained out, and he's back in there the next day. Though he appears to be OK for now, don't be surprised if the Rockies give him a couple extra days off here and there to be proactive with his back.

Todd Helton (back) is in Tuesday's starting lineup against the Mets.

Weather-permitting, he'll bat sixth against Jon Niese. Helton appeared as a pinch-hitter Monday, but hasn't started since last Friday due to back spasms.

Todd Helton (back) was used as a pinch-hitter in Monday's win over the Mets.

Helton's back spasms have mostly subsided. He should be back in the starting lineup soon.

Todd Helton returned to action on Monday April 11.

Todd Helton (back) is out of the starting lineup for a fourth straight day Monday.

Helton is currently sidelined due to back spasms, but is optimistic that he can return to the lineup early this week. Ty Wigginton will fill in and bat sixth against Mike Pelfrey.

Todd Helton (back) is expected to return to the Rockies' lineup early this week.

Helton has been sidelined since Thursday with back spasms. He told reporters this weekend that he felt improved, though, and all signs point to him avoiding the disabled list. "The spasming let go quite a bit," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said Sunday. "So we're very hopeful over the course of the next day or so that we can get him over the hump and eventually get him back out there."

Todd Helton reported noticeable improvement in his back Sunday.

Good news. Helton isn't out of the woods yet given his long history of back woes, but it sounds like he could avoid the disabled list this time around. It's not clear when he might return to the lineup.

Todd Helton admits that he's not sure how long his back injury might sideline him.

"I think we'll know more (Sunday)," Helton said. "I'm sore, more sore than I'd rather be, but I did the same thing in spring training and it took a couple of days. So, we'll see." Helton said he's not worried yet but will be "if I don't feel some improvement." It's possible he could fly back to Denver to undergo tests on the back if he doesn't see improvement Sunday. Rockies manager Jim Tracy said a possible DL stint for Helton "isn't even a point of discussion. We're not even close to that."

Todd Helton (back) is not in Saturday's lineup.

Helton was a late scratch from Friday's lineup due to lower back stiffness. The Rockies insist that he's simply day-to-day, but the 37-year-old's history suggests the possibility of an extended absence is there. Ty Wigginton is taking his spot at first base.

Todd Helton was a late scratch from Friday's lineup due to lower back stiffness.

The Rockies are saying Helton is simply day-to-day, but with his history of back issues, that might be an optimistic projection. Jason Giambi replaced Helton in Friday's lineup, and he and Ty Wigginton would get the starts at first base while Helton is sidelined.

Todd Helton's first homer of the season was a three-run shot off the Dodgers' Chad Billingsley on Wednesday.

Helton played in 118 games last year and didn't knock in three runs in any of them. Time will tell whether he'll be able to hold down the fifth spot in the Rockies' lineup, but manager Jim Tracy did the right thing in giving him the opportunity.

Rockies manager Jim Tracy said Monday that he plans to give Todd Helton regular rest during the season.

"We need to use him sensibly," explained Tracy. "I can't get to the point where I was last year where I knew he was tired, but the mere presence of him in the lineup helped us. When he's scheduled to get a day, he can't show up (in the lineup). He has to get the day." Nothing wrong with keeping the 37-year-old fresh, but this could cut into his already declining fantasy value. Ty Wigginton doesn't have a clear role on the team, but he could play more than you think this season.

Todd Helton went 2-for-3 with two runs scored against the Angels on Sunday.

The Rockies' 37-year-old first baseman is now hitting .355 this spring. If Helton struggles against lefties this season, he could find himself in a platoon with Ty Wigginton. For now, though, he should get the lion's share of at-bats at first base.