"France, 31, made 23 starts for the Astros in 2023, his rookie campaign. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury ruined his next two seasons. He made just seven appearances for Houston between 2024 and '25 and struggled in a handful of minor league outings as well."
"If the early results from 2026 are any indication, France seems to be throwing with a healthy shoulder again. He struck out 13 batters in 11.2 innings this spring and another eight in his first 5.1 frames for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys."
"Through 13 games, Houston's pitchers have the highest ERA in the AL (6.05). Walks and home runs have both been serious problems. What's more, two of the team's most important arms are on the injured list."
France will be selected from Triple-A Sugar Land to fill a 40-man roster spot after Muñoz's designation. He may replace Javier, who has shoulder tightness. The Astros need a fresh arm after a heavy bullpen workload. France, who struggled with injuries in previous seasons, has shown promising results in 2026, striking out 21 batters without allowing a run in Triple-A. Houston's pitching staff currently has the highest ERA in the AL, necessitating France's return to form.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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