Manager Clint Hurdle confirmed Wednesday the Rockies will place opening-day starter Jeff Francis on the disabled list and replace him in the rotation with veteran Mark Redman.
“He’s all about grinding, putting his head down and going hard,” Hurdle said of Francis. “But this course we’re taking is the best thing for him. The important thing for him is the next time he’s on the mound, he’s healthy.”
Redman is expected to join the rotation Thursday, pitching in Francis’ scheduled start at Coors Field against the Marlins.
Francis is believed to be suffering from the equivalent of a tired or dead arm, an injury that is not considered serious. Rest is the most common treatment.
The left-hander underwent an MRI examination Wednesday that showed inflammation in his pitching shoulder.
“He’s been suffering from an inconsistent arm slot since opening day,” Hurdle said. “I don’t think he’s felt the inflammation since then, but it’s become more a part of the problem.”
Francis has suffered through his most difficult season in the big-leagues, going 3-7 with a 5.67 ERA. His velocity has been down at times, which has prompted questions whether last season’s workload created fatigue in the pitcher this season.
He has said repeatedly that is not the case. But his performance has suggested otherwise.
Redman has performed well in Triple-A Colorado Springs since being sent down earlier this season. He began the season as the Rockies’ fourth starter, but eventually lost that spot.
Taveras out with leg injury
After injuring his left quadriceps in Tuesday night’s fifth inning, centerfielder Willy Taveras will not be in the starting lineup tonight against the San Diego Padres as a precautionary measure.
“If feels better, but it’s probably going to keep me out a couple of days,” Taveras said. He injured his leg while stealing third base on Tuesday.
He insisted this injury is no where near as serious as the right quadriceps strain he suffered last season that forced him onto the disabled list.
Taveras leads the major-leagues with 38 stolen bases.
Ryan Spilborghs will start in his place.
Tonight’s Rockies lineup:
CF Spilborghs
1B Helton
LF Holliday
3B Atkins
2B Baker
RF Hawpe
C Torrealba
SS Tulowitzki
RHP Jimenez
and LHP Randy Wolfe will start for the Padres
