Rockies & MLB : The Rocky Mountain News

Francis can't get through six innings; Rockies fall to Nats 6-3 in Game 1

Jeff Francis' comeback began extremely well but ended rather badly Thursday.
Making his first start in the majors since June 28, Francis was sharp and efficient for four innings against the Washington Nationals, but he was gone from the game in the sixth.

Rockies play two after rainout

With Monday's off day on the schedule, the delay of the start for Francis won't affect the Rockies' plans to start Jeff Francis, Ubaldo Jimenez and Aaron Cook in next week's three-game series against Arizona at Coors Field.

Rockies land Hernandez

When Rockies manager Clint Hurdle wanted some insight into the abilities of veteran pitcher Livan Hernandez, he called his old teammate and close friend, Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire, and received a strong recommendation.

Rockies report: Helton healing

First baseman Todd Helton received a third epidural to try and ease inflammation in his lower back, and the feeling is that this time, the spot was found.

Shoulder sidelines Yankees' Chamberlain

Joba Chamberlain was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday by the New York Yankees with rotator-cuff tendinitis in his pitching shoulder.

Rainout spoils Francis' return from DL

The left-handed pitcher now is scheduled to start at 1:05 p.m. Thursday, his first start since June 28 at Detroit.

Royals' Olivo, Greinke receive five-game bans for fracas

Kansas City catcher Miguel Olivo and pitcher Zack Greinke were suspended for five games Tuesday for their actions during a weekend game with the Chicago White Sox.

Rockies report: Atkins consistent

First baseman Garrett Atkins has been the most consistent member of the Rockies lineup. The question is whether the grind, in addition to his recent move from third base to first base in the absence of Todd Helton, has begun to wear him down.

Rockies' De La Rosa comes up big

With the Rockies battling to stay alive in the National League West, left-hander Jorge De La Rosa made a case to stay in the rotation.

Francis set to return to mound for Rockies

Jeff Francis returns to the Rockies rotation Wednesday, filling one of the two holes in the five-man alignment.

Hernandez becomes possible pitching help for Rockies

Shut out in making a trade before Thursday's nonwaiver deadline, the Rockies were awarded a waiver claim on right-handed pitcher Livan Hernandez on Tuesday.

Rockies ace Cook proves he's human in loss to Nationals

Looking to make a move in the National League West, the Rockies had their ace, Aaron Cook, on the mound against the Washington Nationals. The ace got trumped.

Rockies report: Helton still hurting

First baseman Todd Helton underwent a magnetic resonance imaging exam Monday that confirmed the disk problems that have created lower back problems and forced him on the disabled list July 3.