Todd Helton seals the Rockies' victory after successfully turning Eric Byrnes into the final out. (AP)

DENVER (AP) -- The Colorado Rockies placed first baseman Todd Helton on the 15-day disabled list with a stiff back and purchased the contract of Brad Eldred from Triple-A Colorado Springs on Wednesday.

Helton, 36, has been bothered by a sore back for more than a week and has played sparingly on the Rockies' current 10-game homestand.

Eldred hit .267 with 22 home runs and 64 RBIs in 71 games for Colorado Springs. He was scheduled to play first base and bat seventh for the Rockies against St. Louis on Wednesday night.

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