ATLANTA (AP) — The Colorado Rockies optioned left-hander Jeff Francis to Triple-A Colorado Springs to clear a roster spot for right-hander Chad Bettis.

Bettis was called up from Double-A Tulsa to start in his major league debut against the Braves on Thursday night.

The Rockies are without outfielders Michael Cuddyer and Carlos Gonzalez for Thursday night’s game. Manager Walt Weiss says Cuddyer is away on a family emergency and it is not known when he will return.

Gonzalez left Wednesday night’s game after aggravating his sprained right middle finger. Weiss says Gonzalez will be rested a couple of days to see if the injury improves.

Francis is 2-5 with a 6.63 ERA in 12 games, including 11 starts. He allowed three hits and two runs in 2 1-3 innings against the Braves on Tuesday.