Todd Helton has been bothered by a sore hip for some time, and he's played through it, insisting that he didn't need to go on the disabled list. However, since the middle of June, he's batted .205 with one extra-base hit, and long story short, Helton is getting a rest that he might not have wanted.
From the Rockies:
#Rockies transactions: Todd Helton (right hip inflammation), Wil Nieves (right turf toe) placed on DL. Tyler Chatwood optioned.
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 13, 2012
For Colorado, it's not too bad. The team's well out of the race, Helton wasn't a trade candidate, and this frees up room for Tyler Colvin in the outfield while Michael Cuddyer shifts over to first. Colvin's posted a .961 OPS over 200 trips to the plate, after coming over from the Cubs in a trade for Ian Stewart. Helton's is an injury the Rockies wouldn't have rooted for, but that they'll accept without lamenting their misfortune.
Overall, Helton's posted a .730 OPS, which is right about where he was in 2010. In 2011, he was much better than that. He's under contract through 2013 so the Rockies won't soon have to bid their farewells.