#2 Starter and led them in most pitching categories throughout the first half of the year. 2011 was an odd season for Francis, he was 3-7 at home with an ERA of 4.18 while on the road his ERA was a full run higher, at 5.48 while recording a record of 3-9. He finished with a 6-16 record for the Royals. After the season, he elected free agency on October 30. Cincinnati Reds On January 25, 2012, Francis agreed to a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds. Francis decided to exercise a June 1 opt-out clause after pitching a complete game shutout for the Triple A Louisville Bats. Second stint with the Rockies After opting out of his contract with the Reds, Francis agreed to a major league deal with the Rockies on June 7, 2012. The next day, he started against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Francis finished the season in the rotation with an ERA of 5.58 in 113 innings. After becoming a free agent on October 29, 2012, Francis re-signed with the Colorado Rockies on December 19. 2013 was a horrible year for Francis as he pitched half the season in the bullpen, appearing in 23 games while making 12 starts. He finished 3-5 with an ERA of 6.27, his worst in his MLB career. Second stint with the Reds On January 13, 2014, Francis signed a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Cincinnati Reds. He started the season with the Louisville Bats, and his contract was selected by the Reds on May 15. He was designated for assignment and placed on waivers the next day after allowing three runs in five innings to pick up the loss in his one start for the Reds. Oakland Athletics On May 18, 2014, Francis was claimed off waivers from the Reds by the Oakland Athletics. He was designated for assignment on July 3. New York Yankees On July 11, 2014, Francis was acquired by the New York Yankees. He was designated for assignment on July 28, and subsequently released on August 5. Toronto Blue Jays On October 31, 2014, he signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays that included an invitation to spring training. On March 31, 2015, he was assigned to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. His contract was purchased from Buffalo on April 19. He made his debut that