Rockies' Francis headed for DL

The Colorado Rockies placed pitcher Jeff Francis on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday because of a left groin strain.

Francis was coming off his best start since opening day, when he fired six innings of one-run ball against the Cubs on May 14. He had failed to go as many innings in any of his last six outings.

The 32-year-old lefty has posted a 2-3 record with a 6.00 earned run average over eight starts this season.

The Rockies also announced that infielder Reid Brignac will be designated for assignment, and Colorado will fill the roster spots by recalling infielder DJ LeMahieu and pitcher Rob Scahill from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Both players will dress for Colorado's Thursday night tilt with the San Francisco Giants.

LeMahieu played in 81 games for the Rockies in 2012 and posted a .297 batting average with 22 RBI.

Scahill made one appearance with the club earlier this season in an April 23 meeting with the Atlanta Braves, tossing three innings of one-hit ball.