Colorado Rockies

The Rockies reportedly have parted ways with pitcher Jeff Francis, whose locker was empty prior to Wednesday's game against the Nationals according to the Denver Post. Francis is expected to be optioned to clear a roster spot for Roy Oswalt, who is joining the rotation Thursday.

Francis surrendered eight runs in six innings Tuesday to push his ERA on the season to 6.58. Francis has minor-league options remaining, but would have to agree to an assignment to Triple-A Colorado Springs before that move can be made. 

The Rockies will assign recently acquired pitcher Collin McHugh to Double-A Tulsa, according to ESPN.com. McHugh was acquired Tuesday in a trade for Eric Young.

McHugh had a 10.29 ERA in three appearances for the Mets. 

The Mets traded pitcher Collin McHugh to the Rockies Tuesday in exchange for outfielder Eric Young. McHugh and Young recently were designated for assignment, so neither team loses a player from the active roster.

McHugh has a 10.29 ERA in seven major-league innings this season, while Young hit .242 with a .642 OPS in 165 at-bats for the Rockies.

Rockies starting pitcher Jeff Francis barely got out of the first inning Tuesday against Toronto, but eventually gutted out six innings in an 8-3 loss.

Francis gave up four runs on six hits in the first inning before settling down to hold the Blue Jays to three scoreless innings in a row beginning in the second. He allowed three solo home runs in the fifth and sixth innings to finish his outing.

Francis was tagged for eight runs on 10 hits in his six innings of work, while throwing 60 of 88 pitches for strikes. He struck out two, as his record dropped to 2-5.

Francis carries a 6.58 ERA into his next start, scheduled for Sunday in Washington. 

Rockies starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa is dealing with a bruised left thumb that has his status for his next start in question, MLB.com reports Tuesday. De La Rosa suffered the injury during the fourth inning of Monday's start, and he is not assured to take the mound Sunday against the Nationals.

"We'll see, but hopefully with five days, he'll be fine," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said.

De La Rosa will likely try to throw a bullpen session in the next few days to help determine his status for the next start.