Rockies' Francis Happy with Rehab Start

Originally Published: May 6, 2010 9:39 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Aside from the new uniforms, the new stadium and the new season, everything felt like 2004 again for Jeff Francis Thursday night.

“Tulsa is a place where I had a lot of fun,” said the lefty. “I’ve been here twice now for rehab and I think the people up there remember it, too, because every time I walk off the mound, they’re applauding me.”

The boisterous crowd did lots of applauding for Francis again on Thursday. The Colorado Rockies star, and former Drillers ace, made a pit stop in Tulsa for the first of two rehab starts with the Double-A club. Francis pitched 4 2/3 innings of up-and-down ball against the Arkansas Travelers in his first game action since having shoulder surgery in 2008.

“I was probably a little over excited,” said Francis. “It was a lot of fun, especially at night where all the fans turned out in great numbers. The energy was there and this is a great group of guys down here. It was fun to play with them.”

Francis allowed two runs on five hits against Arkansas. He threw 75 total pitches to 20 batters, as mandated by his pregame pitch count. He made a few mistakes, including a first-pitch fastball to Clay Fuller in the third inning that ended up in the left field seats for a two run home run.

Overall, Tulsa’s 2004 minor league pitcher of the year was satisfied with his effort.

“Hopefully next time out I can get up to 90-95 [pitches] and get into the sixth or seventh inning,” said Francis. “If I do the things I normally do to get people out I think I’ll be successful.”

Francis missed the entire 2009 season after having surgery on his left shoulder. He recently threw four innings in extending spring training play, but made his first start in 19 months Thursday.

Francis will pitch again on Tuesday against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The game is set to start at 12:05 p.m. at ONEOK Field.

“I’m eager,” he smiled. “I’m sure I’ll be sore tomorrow, but the rest will be needed. I’ll be ready to go.”