Helton, who hasn't played since he was hospitalized for an inflamed intestine on April 21, is back on the field. The Rocky Mountain News reports that the Colorado first baseman went 1-for-3 for Triple-A Colorado Springs Tuesday in a 4-2 win over Tacoma. According to the newspaper, Helton is scheduled to play nine innings for the Sky Sox Wednesday morning and will rejoin the Rockies on Thursday to be re-evaluated by the team's medical staff.
(Updated 5/3/2006)

Analysis: If all goes well, Helton could be in the Rockies' lineup Friday against Houston at Coors Field. He hasn't played since April 19. In 15 games, Helton is batting .347 (17-for-49) with nine doubles, a homer, 15 runs scored and nine RBIs.