Report: LHP Jeff Francis to return to Colorado Rockies

When lefthander Jeff Francis’ opted out of his minor-league deal on Sunday because he was not added to the Cincinnati Reds roster, Colorado Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd was not shy about his interest in bringing the former No. 1 pick back to Denver.

Now, Troy Renck of the Denver Post tweets that, according to sources, the two have an agreement in principle. Further, Renck expects Francis to get the ball this weekend.

Everything I am hearing from sources points to Francis having an agreement in principle w Rockies I expect him to start this weekend—
Troy Renck, Rockies (@TroyRenck) June 07, 2012

Francis was 3-6 with a 3.71 ERA at Triple-A Louisville this season. He spent his first six big-league campaigns with the Rockies, who let him go after he developed shoulder trouble. Francis went 6-16 with a 4.82 ERA for the Kansas City Royals last season.