After Shoulder Surgery and Waivers, J.P. France Is Fighting His Way Back. DD

J.P. France understands the odds.

With the Houston Astros boasting a crowded starting rotation heading into the 2026 season, breaking into that group again won’t be easy. But that hasn’t stopped the right-hander from making a strong early impression during spring training.

France delivered his best outing of the spring on Monday, tossing two scoreless innings against the Washington Nationals in relief. He allowed no hits or walks while striking out two batters, showing the kind of sharp command the Astros remember from his breakout campaign.

Through two spring appearances, France has logged:

• 3.1 innings pitched
• 1 hit allowed
• 1 run allowed
• 3 strikeouts
• 1 walk

For a pitcher coming off a serious shoulder injury, those numbers are encouraging.

A Long Road Back

Houston Astros starting pitcher J.P. France. | Troy Taormina-Imagn Image

France’s journey back to the mound has been anything but straightforward.

Just one month into the 2024 season, he suffered a major setback — a torn right shoulder capsule that required surgery. The injury wiped out most of his season and forced him into a lengthy rehab process that lasted nearly a year.

He eventually returned late in the season, making two relief appearances and posting a 2.25 ERA over four innings.

But the challenges didn’t end there.

During the offseason, the Astros designated France for assignment to create a roster spot after acquiring pitcher Kai-Wei Teng from the San Francisco Giants. France cleared waivers and ultimately accepted an assignment to Triple-A Sugar Land, choosing to stay with the organization and continue fighting for another opportunity.

A Crowded Rotation

Houston’s rotation picture makes France’s path to a starting role difficult.

The Astros currently expect contributions from several established arms, including:

• Hunter Brown
• Tatsuya Imai
• Cristian Javier
• Lance McCullers Jr.

With that group already competing for spots, France is likely battling for a long-relief role or preparing to begin the season back at Sugar Land as rotation depth.

Still, Houston knows exactly what he’s capable of.

Remembering His Breakout Season

France first made his mark in 2023, when he stepped into the rotation during an injury-plagued stretch for the Astros.

He responded with a remarkable rookie season:

• 11–6 record
• 3.83 ERA
• 101 strikeouts
• 136.1 innings pitched

That performance helped stabilize Houston’s pitching staff during a difficult stretch.

Valuable Insurance

The Astros would prefer not to face the same injury issues that forced France into the spotlight before. But the organization also understands the value of having experienced arms ready when needed.

That’s why France’s strong spring outings matter.

Even if he doesn’t crack the Opening Day roster, he’s reminding Houston that he can still be relied upon if circumstances demand it.

And given the Astros’ recent history with pitching injuries, having someone like J.P. France ready in reserve might prove more important than expected.