Jeff Francis scattered five hits and one run across five innings Wednesday, but took a no-decision in Colorado's 5-2 win over the Mets.

He struck out four and walked two. Rockies hurlers have rarely pitched long enough to even qualify for a win since the team's 75-pitch limit was instituted, so all things considered, it was a very nice night for the 31-year-old lefty. He'll have his hands full with the Dodgers at home next Monday, however. Through 77 2/3 innings, Francis has posted a rough 5.79 ERA.

Jeff Francis did enough to win his fourth game Monday, holding the Brewers to three runs on six hits and two walks over 5 1/3 innings in the 9-6 victory.

It's the first time in four starts that he's managed to record more than 12 outs. Francis has been about as bad as was expected since arriving in Colorado, posting a 5.99 ERA and 1.49 WHIP over 14 outings. He'll face off against the Marlins next.

Jeff Francis allowed three runs on four hits and two walks in four innings of Wednesday's loss to the Dodgers.

All three runs came on a first-run bomb off the bat of Matt Kemp. Francis would have gone deeper, but ran into the Rockies' odious 75-pitch limit in the fourth. He finished his night with 73 pitches, only 41 of which went for strikes. The owner of a 6.06 ERA, Francis hasn't recorded more than 12 outs in any of his past three starts.

Jeff Francis held the Diamondbacks to two runs on five hits in seven innings Wednesday, improving to 3-2 in Colorado's 4-2 road win.

He struck out four and walked one. Francis actually came out for the seventh inning, but was pulled after serving up a leadoff home run to Miguel Montero. He threw 97 pitches in recording just his second quality start in 10 outings. He'll bring a 4.97 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 29/8 K/BB ratio into his Tuesday matchup with the Cardinals at Coors Field. Don't count on him being quality for that one.

Jeff Francis held the Pirates to one run on six hits over five innings in Monday's 5-4 victory.

He struck out just one but didn't walk anyone. Francis has fared pretty well in the Rockies' four-man rotation, as he hasn't allowed more than three runs over his last six trips to the mound. He'll take a 4.76 ERA and 1.41 into a nice matchup in San Diego this weekend.

Jeff Francis turned in another decent performance in Saturday's loss to the Nationals, allowing three runs on five hits over five-plus innings of work.

Francis had only allowed one run heading into the sixth inning, then allowed the first two hitters to reach before being lifted for Josh Roenicke who would allow both inherited runners to score. After a disaster in his first start of the season, Francis has pitched fairly well over his last six outings, compiling a 2-1 record, 3.45 ERA and 18/6 K/BB ratio over 31 1/3 innings.

Jeff Francis pitched his best game of the season on Friday, limiting the Padres to just three hits over six scoreless innings in a Rockies win.

Francis walked one and struck out one on the night. He entered play on Friday with a 7.23 ERA, lowering it down to 5.47 by the end of the strog outing. He still shouldn't be considered an option in fantasy leagues, but has likely done enough to earn a few more starts in the Rockies rotation. He'll look to carry over the momentum from this strong appearance when he takes on the Cardinals in St. Louis on Tuesday.

Jeff Francis yielded one run in five innings Thursday in a no-decision against the Phillies.

Francis got through five despite the 75-pitch limit -- he actually threw 76 -- but he didn't last long enough to get his first win in his second stint with the Rockies. He's 0-1 with an 8.56 ERA.

Jeff Francis was hammered in his homecoming with the Rockies on Saturday afternoon, giving up eight earned runs on 10 hits in just 3 1/3 innings of work.

Francis struck out one and walked one in the abbreviated outing. He looked terrible, but the Rockies don't have many better options and have already committed to him for one more start. He should be avoided in fantasy leagues next week when he faces Detroit.

Rockies signed LHP Jeff Francis to a one-year contract.

Financial terms of the deal haven't been disclosed, but he'll likely only get a pro-rated veteran minimum. The Rockies will throw Francis right into the fire, giving him the start Saturday against the Angels. Francis opted out of his minor league deal with the Reds earlier this week after posting a 3.72 ERA and 65/18 K/BB rate for Triple-A Louisville. He held a 4.82 ERA and 91/39 K/BB ratio in 183 innings last season for the Royals.

Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that Jeff Francis has signed with the Rockies and is expected to make a start this weekend.

It seemed inevitable, as the Rockies have been desperate for starters and Francis spent the first six years of his career in Colorado. The 31-year-old left-hander opted out of his minor league deal with the Reds earlier this week after posting a 3.72 ERA and 65/18 K/BB rate for Triple-A Louisville.

Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd confirmed that he has interest in free agent lefty Jeff Francis.

Francis, 31, was released by the Reds Monday after opting out of his minor league deal. The veteran left-hander was 3-6 with a 3.72 ERA and 65/18 K/BB rate for Triple-A Louisville and had been pitching well recently, including a shutout on Sunday against Durham. Francis, a former No. 1 pick of the Rockies who still has a home in Denver, went 55-50 over six seasons in Colorado. The Rockies could use a starter, with Jhoulys Chacin and Juan Nicasio injured and Jamey Moyer recently released. The Mets are also reportedly interested in Francis.

Reds released LHP Jeff Francis.

Francis requested his freedom and was granted it due to a June 1 opt-out clause in his contract. The veteran left-hander, a spring non-roster invitee, went 3-6 with a 3.72 ERA and 65/18 K/BB rate for Triple-A Louisville. In his most recent outing, on Sunday against Durham, Francis hurled a complete game shutout. Francis posted a 4.82 ERA and 91/39 K/BB ratio in 183 innings last season for the Royals. He'll latch on with a new organization that has less roadblocks onto the big league roster.

Reds optioned LHP Jeff Francis to Triple-A Louisville.

Francis won't opt out of his deal with the Reds, despite contractual language that allowed him to do so were he not to make the Opening Day roster. The veteran left-hander, a non-roster invitee, posted a 6.65 ERA over five spring games. Francis will be used in the rotation in the minors, because the Reds want to stretch him out in case an injury hits the rotation. Reds GM Walt Jocketty said Sunday there is a chance that Francis could pitch out of the bullpen later in the season. Francis posted a 4.82 ERA and 91/39 K/BB ratio in 183 innings last season for the Royals.

Jeff Francis was rocked for 11 runs over three innings Monday night against the Rangers.

Ouch. Francis allowed 11 hits (including a two-run homer by Ian Kinsler) while fanning four and walking one. His spring ERA jumped from 2.77 to 8.44 with the clunker. The veteran southpaw is unlikely to beat Homer Bailey or Aroldis Chapman for the final spot in the rotation, but he has indicated that he won't use the opt-out clause in his minor league contract.

Jeff Francis indicated Tuesday that he has no plans to opt out of his minor league contract if he's not on the major league roster by March 28.

Francis has made a solid case for the final rotation spot by posting a solid 2.77 ERA and 8/10 K/BB ratio over 13 innings, but he appears unlikely to beat out Homer Bailey or Aroldis Chapman. "I'm not going to go home. I'll be pitching," said Francis. "I am not even thinking about it. I'm just trying to get people out." Barring a change of heart, the 31-year-old southpaw appears likely to open the season in the minors.

Jeff Francis was solid against the Mariners Tuesday, allowing three runs -- two earned -- on seven hits while striking out five over five frames.

Carlos Peguero took Francis deep with a two-run shot in the left-hander's final frame, but the non-roster invitee otherwise pitched pretty well. He now boasts a 2.77 ERA over 13 innings this spring and hasn't walked a single batter. The veteran is battling Aroldis Chapman and Homer Bailey for the No. 5 spot in the rotation.

Reds signed LHP Jeff Francis to a minor league contract.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported less than 15 minutes ago that the deal was "close," and now CBS Sports' Jon Heyman is saying it's official. Francis will get a shot at cracking the Reds' starting rotation this spring in major league camp. He posted a disappointing 4.82 ERA and 91/39 K/BB ratio in 183 innings last season for the Rockies, but minor league deals are free of risk. If it doesn't work out, Cincy can simply cast him aside.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Reds are close to a minor league deal with Jeff Francis.

John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer mentioned earlier that the two sides were "talking." And it seems they've quickly found a common ground. Francis will presumably be allowed to compete for a spot in the Reds' starting rotation this spring. He posted a 4.82 ERA and 91/39 K/BB ratio in 183 innings last season for the Royals.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer's John Fay, the Reds are "still talking" to Jeff Francis.

Francis is also thought to be attracting interest from the Mariners, Blue Jays and Mets. The left-hander posted a weak 4.82 ERA and 91/39 K/BB ratio in 183 innings last season for the Royals, but he should come cheap.