Getting your player ready...
Jeff Francis (13-12, 5.69 ERA) insisted that he has not collided with the rookie wall, blaming mental fatigue for his slump. Francis is refreshingly stubborn with his confidence and proved right on this issue. Returning to where he made his trumpeted debut last year, the left-hander has surrendered just two earned runs in the past 12 innings. His record reflects his second-place ranking in run support (6.30) in the National League. John Smoltz had an MRI that revealed inflammation in his shoulder, forcing Kyle Davies (7-4, 4.82) into a spot start.
– Troy E. Renck, Denver Post staff writer
