Expected to be in the lineup on Friday night, Todd Helton is out of the game with lower back stiffness and is considered day-to-day. Jason Giambi started in his place, batting fifth, and promptly hit a towering shot to right field at PNC Park. It was his first home run and his first hit of the season in his first start of 2011.
But anytime Todd Helton is out with a back injury there is cause for concern. It has been an issue that has plagued him for years, especially last year when he missed a month of the season due to lower back issues.
Giambi started at first over Ty Wigginton because the latter started at third base for Ian Stewart, who is out with flu-like symptoms. The weather in Pittsburgh is none too good as it rained for most of the day. The rain stopped recently, but it's still dreary and gray as day turns into night.