The Astros announced this evening they’ve selected right-hander J.P. France onto the 40-man roster. The move keeps him from being eligible for the Rule 5 draft.
A 14th-round pick from Mississippi State in the 2018 draft, France spent all of this year at Triple-A Sugar Land. He worked in a swing capacity for the Space Cowboys, starting 15 of his 34 outings. France pitched to a 3.90 ERA across 110 2/3 innings, punching out an above-average 28.3% of opponents against a slightly elevated 10.6% walk rate.
France turns 28 years old in April, putting him on the older side for a prospect. However, that he’s carved out a 40-man roster spot clearly indicates the Astros view him as a viable rotation or long relief depth option going into next season. Houston already has one of the league’s top rotations — even with Justin Verlander in free agency — but France could return to Sugar Land to provide some cover against injuries in the starting staff.
Why is there a picture of Spencer Strider in an Astros hat on this article?
Ha! Funny observation, Yankee Clipper.
Clip, that isn’t Nestor???
Actually, it’s Daniel Day Lewis.
Hahahaha He does look a bit like Bill the Butcher doesn’t he?
It’s Eric Robert’s from the movie “Star 80”
He actually looks like that. As an Astros fan, the first time I looked at Strider, I said he reminds me of JP pitching in Sugar Land! At least from a AAA perspective he strikes out batters the same way. 136 strikeouts in 110 innings. Nasty stuff
Guys, I’m pretty sure Migdalia is legitimate. If she were lying it would be $51/hour. The round number engenders trust.
Your attention to detail is second to none, Yankee Clipper. First your JP France observation and now this. Keep em coming! 🙂 Good morning.
He actually did better in relief in a multi inning role. Something a lot of teams, including the Astros value. He’ll get a chance to make the opening day roster during ST.
His last 2 months at AAA were good, era wise, but 13 BB in 25.2 innings pitched is not good.
In an effort to bolster their rotation, the Astros have gone to FRANCE
“We are from France!” – Coneheads
They’re trying to take 2 Mariners and create players now. The next Astro will be Ty Crawford.
Yea. This guys name makes me really uncomfortable.
Lol
Mugshot photo