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Astros Release Right-Hander J.P. France

Rising walk rates after a brief 2026 big-league stint signal he will likely need a minor‑league deal to rebuild his command.

Overview

  • The Sugar Land Space Cowboys posted France’s release on July 30, making the 31‑year‑old a free agent, a move confirmed by multiple outlets.
  • France made three relief appearances with Houston in April, allowing six earned runs over 6 2/3 innings while issuing five walks and recording four strikeouts.
  • At Triple‑A Sugar Land this season he had a 3.72 ERA in 36 1/3 innings but a pronounced control problem, posting a 14.8% walk rate.
  • France broke into the majors as a 2023 rookie starter (23 starts, 3.83 ERA) but lost innings after right shoulder surgery and shifted mostly to relief work.
  • Reports say The Athletic’s Chandler Rome has pegged France to a minor‑league deal with the San Diego Padres, a report described as quiet and not yet broadly confirmed.