Left-handed starting pitcher Jeff Francis has returned to the Rockies, as he's signed a major-league deal with the club, reports Troy Renck of the Denver Post. Renck also notes that it is "likely" Francis will start for the Rockies Saturday against the Angels in Colorado. Francis had spent the entirety of the 2012 season with Triple-A Louisville (Reds affiliate). After throwing a shutout Sunday, Francis asked for his release and was granted it by the Reds. On the season, he is 3-6 with a 3.72 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 65 strikeouts in 77 1/3 Triple-A innings.
Francis, 31, was 6-16 with a 4.82 ERA and 1.44 WHIP last season in 31 starts for the Royals. Previous to that season, he had spent his entire career for the Rockies. He finished ninth in NL Cy Young voting in 2007, when he went 17-9 with a 4.22 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 215 1/3 innings.
The Rockies' rotation has been a mess this season. Starters are 13-23 with a 5.84 ERA and 1.67 WHIP heading into their weekend tilt with the Angels.
They currently have Jeremy Guthrie, Alex White, Christian Friedrich and Josh Outman holding down rotation spots. Juan Nicasio is on the DL, Jhoulys Chacin was demoted to the minors and then placed on the DL and Jamie Moyer was released after 10 starts. Also, Jorge De La Rosa has been pulled off his rehab assignment. Drew Pomeranz has been really good in five Triple-A starts since his demotion, but evidently the Rockies aren't ready to throw the 23 year old back in the fire.
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