After spending the first seven seasons of his professional career with the Colorado Rockies, Jeff Francis will return to the mound at Coors Field, as the Rockies have signed him to an MLB deal and plan to start him today against the Los Angeles Angels:
@Rockies:
#Rockies sign Jeff Francis to MLB deal, designate Esmil Rogers for assignment. Francis starts for Rox today vs.@Angels
Francis played an integral role in the Rockies run to the World Series in 2007, winning 17 games during the season and starting the opening game of the World Series. From 2005-2007, Francis won 44 games and established himself as a key piece of the rotation. However, he struggled following the '07 season, winning just four games in 08 and missing the 2009 season with a shoulder injury. Francis spent last season with the Kansas City Royals, compiling a 6-16 record.
In order to make room for Francis, Esmil Rogers was designated for assignment. Rogers has an 0-2 record this season with an 8.03 ERA in 23 appearances.
For more on these teams, check out Rockies blog Purple Row and Angels blog Halos Heaven. Head over to Baseball Nation and MLB Daily Dish for more news and notes around the league.