When the Toronto Blue Jays traded Yusei Kikuchi to the Houston Astros, they opened the door for Bowden Francis, and the right-hander took full advantage of the opportunity.
Francis, who is 4-1 with a 1.50 ERA in his last seven starts, will face the Texas Rangers on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old has been a star on the mound recently, throwing two no-hitters into the ninth inning, each time with a home run. On Aug. 24, Taylor Ward stretched his arms at his expense for the Los Angeles Angels, and the following week, Francisco Lindor did the same for the New York Mets.
He tried to attack the duel against Lindor without thinking about the very similar situation he experienced against the Angels.
“Don’t change anything. Keep attacking. Keep throwing strikes,” Francis said of his mindset heading into the ninth inning against the Mets. “It came against one of the best hitters in the league, and I put the ball over the plate.”
Francis is 8-4 with a 3.50 ERA in 25 games this season, including his first 11 career starts.
He earned his spot in the rotation in training camp, but was relegated to the bullpen after two rough starts early in the season. Tendonitis then forced him to rest for the entire month of May. Then, when Kikuchi was traded, Francis returned to the rotation.
Francis attributes his recent successes to the addition of a slingshot ball to his arsenal.
“Not just a two-pitch guy,” said Francis, who previously relied on his fastball and curveball. “A lot of confidence, a lot of work and a lot of adjustment.”
Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker suggested Francis’ attitude hasn’t changed throughout the season.
“When things have gone well, he’s kept his head down and he’s still the same person,” Walker said. “I think he knows a bad start could happen at any time. So he just keeps his guard up and keeps doing what he’s doing.”
“I never lost faith in myself,” Francis added.