Rockies' Helton on DL with back stiffness

DENVER, July 7 (UPI) -- The Colorado Rockies Wednesday placed first baseman Todd Helton on the 15-day disabled list with a stiff lower back.

Helton had been complaining of a sore back for about a week. The move is retroactive to Monday, one day after he entered a 15-inning marathon against the San Francisco Giants as a replacement.

Helton is hitting .246 with two homers and 16 RBI in 69 games this season.

The Rockies recalled infielder/outfielder Brad Eldred from Class AAA Colorado Springs to take Helton's spot on the roster. Eldred, who is leading the Pacific Coast League with 22 homers, last played in the majors in 2007 with Pittsburgh.