Rockies first baseman Todd Helton had been bothered by a hip problem for some time; it was causing his production to drop. He’s having by far the worst year of his career, hitting just .235/.332/.398 with seven home runs in 256 plate appearances.

The team put him on the DL right after the All-Star break so he could get some rest from the hip inflammation. He’s back Friday, the first day he was eligible to come off the DL:

#Rockies activated Todd Helton from DL, optioned LHP Edwar Cabrera to AAA. Helton batting 5th, playing first tonight.

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 27, 2012

With Cabrera, the Rockies had been carrying a 13-man pitching staff; his departure will put Colorado’s staff back to the more common number of 12. Helton, who is 38, will try to get back to his former level of performance; he’s got one year left on his Colorado deal and will almost certainly retire at the end of 2013.

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