Reds signed LHP Jeff Francis to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Francis, 33, had an ugly 6.27 ERA over 12 starts and 11 relief appearances with the Rockies last year. The veteran southpaw will function as insurance for the starting rotation.

Jeff Francis finished his 2013 season in strong fashion in Sunday's victory over the Dodgers, allowing just one run on three hits over five innings. Francis racked up six strikeouts on the afternoon while issuing a pair of free passes. He finishes the difficult season with a 3-5 record, 6.27 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 63/24 K/BB ratio in 70 1/3 innings. The veteran southpaw is set to become a free agent this offseason, and very likely has pitched his final game as a member of the Rockies. He remains an unattractive option in all fantasy formats.

Rockies recalled LHP Jeff Francis from Triple-A Colorado Springs. Carlos Gonzalez was placed on the 15-day disabled list in a corresponding move with a right middle finger sprain. Francis has a 6.63 ERA this year in the bigs.

The Rockies are recalling left-hander Jeff Francis from Triple-A. The Rockies haven't made an official announcement yet, but it appears Carlos Gonzalez or Edgmer Escalona is headed to the disabled list. Francis has a 6.63 ERA over 11 starts and one relief appearance with the Rockies this season. He's not fantasy relevant.

Rockies optioned LHP Jeff Francis to Triple-A Colorado Springs. The move clears a spot for Thursday's starter, Chad Bettis. Francis has an ugly 6.63 ERA over 11 starts and one relief appearance this season.

Rockies recalled LHP Jeff Francis from Triple-A Colorado Springs. He'll be used in long relief. Francis holds a 6.58 ERA in 11 starts with the Rockies this season.

Rockies optioned LHP Jeff Francis to Triple-A Colorado Springs. The move cleared a 25-man roster spot (and a rotation spot) for the arrival of veteran right-hander Roy Oswalt. Francis had a 6.58 ERA in 11 starts with the Rox.

The Rockies will option Jeff Francis to Triple-A Colorado Springs prior to Thursday's game. The move won't be made official until the Rockies call up Roy Oswalt. The club is hoping that Francis will agree to stick around for depth, but he has the option of choosing free agency because of his major league service time. He's put up a 6.58 ERA and 1.56 WHIP this season and wouldn't figure to net a major league deal elsewhere.

Jeff Francis allowed eight runs in six innings in a loss to the Blue Jays on Tuesday. Francis did little right on Tuesday, giving up 10 hits -- including three homers -- while striking out only two. The outing left the southpaw with a 6.58 ERA and 1.56 WHIP on the season. There's been speculation for a while, but with Roy Oswalt set to make his Rockies debut on Thursday this start has the looks of Francis' last with the club.

In what could be his last start of a while, Jeff Francis struck out eight while holding the Nationals to two runs over six innings Thursday. He gave up just five hits and didn't walk anyone, with Ryan Zimmerman's two-run blast representing the long blemish on his line. It was a nice showing from Francis, but he still figures to get the boot next week when Roy Oswalt is expected to join the rotation. The lefty holds a 5.87 ERA and 1.54 WHIP this season.