Who is J.P. France? All about Houston Astros prospect making MLB debut

A dream come true for Houston Astros pitching pro JB France, who was promoted to the major leagues for the first time in his career. The 28-year-old right-winger is expected to start Saturday’s game against the Seattle Mariners, according to The Athletic’s Chandler Roma.

France was selected by the Houston Astros in the 14th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, signing for a $1,000 bonus. He’s been solid at Triple-A this season, posting a 2-1 record with a 2.33 ERA with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.

Throughout his five-year career at various minor league levels, JP France has been a solid contributor to his clubs. During that time, France achieved a 20-17 record with a 3.73 ERA, while also striking out 447 strikeouts. He also recorded five saves in the minors, proving that he can not only start games but also close them out.

MLB Source confirms that the Astros have called up rookie JP France, who starts Saturday.

France is known for their mid-90s fastball, slow curveballs and tricky deliveries that lead to extra stuff.

This would be his MLB debut.

MLB Source confirms that the Astros have called up rookie JP France, who will start on Saturday. France is known for his fastball in the mid-1990s, slow curve and tricky deliveries that lead to extra stuff, and this would be his MLB debut.

“MLB Source confirms that the Astros have called up rookie JP France, who will start on Saturday. France is known for his mid-90s fastball, slow curve and underhanded deliveries that lead to extra stuff. This will be his MLB debut.” – @AriA1exander

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 4, 1995, France went on to study at Mississippi State University, as well as Tulane University in his hometown of New Orleans. His college career mirrored his career to date, as he had a record of 18-17 with a 3.95 ERA and 241 strikeouts.

The JP France call-up is a reversal of the Houston Astros’ turn around at the moment

While current World Series champions said goodbye to future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander in free agency, many thought the Houston Astros would enter the 2023 campaign with one of the best runs in MLB.

However, just one month into the season, the Astros’ pitching rotation was devastated by injuries. Lance McCullers Jr. is closed. In the spring due to an arm soreness and he hasn’t started his rehab assignment yet.

Luis Garcia left the game in the first half with an apparent injury. -MLBONFOX

As if McCullers Jr.’s absence wasn’t enough, last week the Astros put out both Illinois’ Luis Garcia and Jose Urquidi, depleting their rotational depth. Although injury news is not something people ever want to hear, it did open the door for JP France to make his MLS debut this weekend.

It remains to be seen if France will stay with the big club after his debut this weekend, the fact that he made it to MLB after all these years is enough to celebrate.