Jeff Francis is the Rockies’ unsolved mystery.
After a sublime spring training, the Rockies left-hander entered the season brimming with confidence. But Friday night’s loss to the Braves was his third straight defeat, a stretch that includes a 9.37 ERA and 33 hits.
The search for answers begins with his health. Is Francis fighting injury?
“No, I feel good, everything feels strong,” Francis said Saturday.
Francis has endured rough stretches before, but this is the first time he’s lost three straight decisions since Aug. 31-Sept. 12, 2005. In the past, the introspective pitcher has been able to figure things out. Right now, he’s stumped.
“This is unusual, because I can’t put my finger on it,” he said. “I had a great spring and the first two (regular season) outings were pretty good. But that game against the Giants was a complete surprise.”
In that April 16 game, Francis was raked for seven runs in five innings.
“The first time it happens, you think it’s an aberration,” Francis said. “Then it happens again and you think it’s bad luck. The third time it happens, there is something wrong.”
Francis’ velocity has not diminished, but his pitch location has been off.
“His sequences are working, so he’s getting ahead in counts, but he hasn’t been able to put hitters away like he has in the past,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “He’s making mistakes up in the zone.”
Said Francis: “I’m watching tape, working with coaches, using whatever resources I have to work out of this.”
Hawkins out indefinitely
Although an MRI revealed no structural damage to his right elbow, reliever LaTroy Hawkins said Saturday he won’t be able to return from the disabled list as soon as first hoped. He’s eligible to return a week from today, but an inflamed nerve is still causing considerable pain down his forearm.
Footnotes
In a rehab start for Triple-A Colorado Springs on Friday night, Byung-Hyun Kim struggled, giving up four runs on five hits in just four innings. … Kaz Matsui, on the DL with back spasms, is making steady progress, working on throwing drills before Saturday’s game.
