"Todd Helton didn't go to Asheville after all. After weighing his health and the advice of head trainer Keith Dugger, Helton decided early Thursday to return to Denver rather than begin a rehab assignment for the Single-A team.

Helton will work on strengthening his legs for about the next week to 10 days. When his legs and back feel better, he will go on a rehab assignment.

"There was no injury or anything like that," Dugger said. "You just can't do strengthening every day and baseball activity. He needs some more time, that's all."

Dugger admitted he had no idea when Helton would return. It's a fluid situation, but the first baseman almost certainly won't be back until early August.

Helton was understandably frustrated this week. After a terrific workout over the weekend in Cincinnati, he was poised to return from the disabled list Wednesday.

But his batting practice sessions didn't go well in Florida, his swing compromised by weakness in his hamstrings.

"I think the best way to describe it is this: He's still not feeling strong enough," manager Jim Tracy said. "It has everything to do with the strength factor."

Jason Giambi has performed well in Helton's absence. He went 2-for-4 on Thursday to raise his average to .280."