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MIA@NYM: LeBlanc hurls four innings of one-run ball

Marlins lefty Wade LeBlanc has enjoyed his time in the starting rotation immensely.

After making 11 appearances out of the bullpen this season, the 28-year-old shifted to a starting role on Aug. 1 and has thrived since.

He's allowed just three earned runs over 15 1/3 innings as a starter over three outings. But despite the stellar numbers, LeBlanc is still searching for his first win in the rotation.

He will try to make that happen Friday when he takes the mound against the Rockies in the second game of the four-game series at Coors Field.

In his last start, LeBlanc tossed seven strong innings, allowing just six hits and one earned run. His offense and bullpen, however, let him down, and the Marlins fell, 5-0, against the Dodgers.

"I'm keeping the team in the game," LeBlanc said afterward. "I'm giving the team a chance to win. I'm not going as deep as I feel like I should, with the pitch counts they're giving me. That falls on me and being efficient and pounding the strike zone and being aggressive."

Opposing LeBlanc for the Rockies will be fellow southpaw Jeff Francis. In his last start, the 31-year-old surrendered three earned runs over 5 1/3 innings as he picked up his fourth win of the season.

"It was big for us as a team to come out, put a zero up early and get some runs," Francis said after the game. "I don't think we've done that a lot, even in the games we won."

Rockies: Chacin close to return
If all goes well in the aftermath of Jhoulys Chacin's rehab start in Triple-A Colorado Springs on Thursday night, the right-hander could return to the Rockies' rotation for the first time since going on the disabled list May 6 with right shoulder inflammation. Chacin allowed one run in seven innings for the Sky Sox.

The 24-year-old Chacin was the No. 3 starter when the Rockies opened the season, but he went 0-3 with a 7.30 ERA in his first five starts. He is in his fourth big league season, having won 20 games over the past two seasons while posting an ERA of 3.28 in 2010, and 3.62 in '11.

Marlins: Green to the DL, Velazquez called up
Nick Green, hindered by a sprained left thumb, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday.

Infielder Gil Velazquez's contract was purchased from Triple-A New Orleans. The 32-year-old utilityman infielder hit .314 in 101 games with the Zephyrs.

To make room for Velazquez on the 40-man roster, Logan Morrison was transferred to the 60-day disabled list, which means he will not return this season.

Morrison, Miami's Opening Day left fielder, recently had his right knee examined by Dr. Richard Steadman in Vail, Colo. At the time, the recommendation was three weeks of rest.

But Morrison told reporters a few days ago that he likely was finished for the season, and surgery remains a likely possibility.

Worth noting
• Colorado pounded out 11 hits on Wednesday, marking the ninth time in 15 games this month the Rockies have had at least 10 hits. They came up one short on Thursday with nine hits.

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