Todd Helton (hip) told Troy Renck of the Denver Post on Thursday that he plans to play in 2013. "I am back, baby," said Helton. The 39-year-old wanted to see how his body responded following hip and knee surgeries before making a decision, but he's feeling good. He'll likely be the primary first baseman in 2013 if healthy, but figures to get regular rest. Coming off a .238/.343/.400 batting line and .743 OPS, he's only an option in deeper mixed leagues and NL-only formats.

Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports that Todd Helton won't make a final decision about whether to play in 2013 until he sees how his surgically repaired hip responds. Helton said after undergoing season-ending surgery in August that he fully intended to come back, but if his hip doesn't feel right during workouts this winter, he might decide to hang it up. The 39-year-old also had a torn meniscus in his left knee repaired earlier this month. Even if Helton does return for one final season, he's a poor bet to stay healthy and be productive.

Rockies activated 1B Todd Helton from the 60-day disabled list. Helton underwent season-ending surgery on his hip in August and on Friday had his left meniscus repaired. He's expected to be 100 percent for spring training but is a poor bet to stay healthy in 2013.

Todd Helton underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on Friday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He's expected to resume workouts later this month. Helton is also recovering from hip surgery, but fully intends to report to spring training healthy enough to play out the final year of his contract with the Rockies.

Todd Helton will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Friday. Helton needs a torn meniscus repaired, but he's expected to resume workouts later this month. The 39-year-old is already recovering from hip surgery but intends to play out the final year of his contract in 2013.

Todd Helton (hip) intends to return to play in 2013. Helton underwent season-ending hip surgery in August. He's no longer walking with the aid of crutches and the constant pain in his hip is gone. "I think, physically, I will be able to come back," Helton said. "So I plan on coming back, but there are a couple of things still on my mind. I want to know I have a good chance to make it through next year - healthy. That will factor into it." Helton is set to make $5 million in the final year of his contract, though he's no longer an everyday player at this point.

Todd Helton said his recovery from hip surgery is "going a little quicker than we first anticipated." He still won't return this season, but Helton fully expects to be 100 percent for spring training. "It's kind of what I expected, and I think choosing surgery was the lesser of two evils," Helton said. "Actually, the rehab is going a little quicker than we first anticipated, so that's encouraging."

Todd Helton underwent successful surgery Friday to repair a torn labrum in his right hip. The surgery ends his season, but he's planning to return in 2013. Helton, who turns 39 later this month, batted just .238/.343/.400 with seven homers and a .743 OPS this season. He's owed $5 million next season in the final year of his contract with Colorado.

Rockies placed 1B Todd Helton on the 15-day disabled list with a torn labrum in his right hip. Helton will undergo season-ending surgery Friday. The 39-year-old batted just .238/.343/.400 with seven homers and a .743 OPS this season. He has one year left on his contract. The Rockies activated Chris Nelson from the disabled list to fill his spot on the active roster.

Todd Helton will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right hip and is out for the season. Helton has suffered with the injury since June. It affected both his hitting and fielding, leading to the worst average of his career (.238). "The recovery time is about six months, so I am doing this now so I can be ready for spring training. I plan on playing next year," Helton said. The 39-year-old is under contract for the 2013 season. Chris Nelson will be activated from the disabled list to take Helton's spot on the roster. With Michael Cuddyer also out, Eric Young Jr. and Tyler Colvin will get regular at-bats. Colvin is expected to remain a starter when Cuddyer returns.