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.

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reports that Jeff Francis is starting to attract more interest from teams looking for starting pitching help. Crasnick says the Mariners, Reds, Blue Jays and Mets are among the clubs "keeping tabs" on the left-hander. Francis compiled a 4.82 ERA and 91/39 K/BB ratio in 183 innings this past season for the Royals but did prove to be durable in making 31 starts. With multiple teams showing interest, it sounds like he should be able to net a guaranteed deal.