Rockies' Helton has back surgery, expected to be ready for spring

DENVER -- Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton had surgery on his lower back and is expected to be ready for spring training.

Helton, a career .328 hitter, batted just .264 with seven homers and 29 RBI in 83 games this season. His balky back sent him to the disabled list for the third time in his 12-year career and first since 2006.

Helton had played in at least 144 games in each of the previous 10 seasons.

Dr. Robert Watkins performed the operation on Helton on Tuesday at Marina Del Rey Hospital in Los Angeles. The Rockies said Thursday that the 35-year-old Helton has returned home to Denver to recuperate.

Helton, a five-time All-Star, has 310 homers and 1,116 RBI in 1,661 career games, all with the Rockies.