The Houston Astros have gotten off to a disappointing start during the 2024 season. They are 12-22 and just a half-game ahead of the Los Angeles Angels for last place in the American League West. One reason why is the flurry of injuries to the roster.
And, it looks like there is another as pitcher J.P. France is out for some time, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic.
‘Right-hander J.P. France is dealing with a shoulder injury that will sideline him for “a while,” a person familiar with his situation said on Tuesday, leaving Houston with five experienced starters on its 40-man roster. A shoulder issue delayed France’s buildup during spring training, but he recovered in time to make the team’s Opening Day roster. At the time, general manager Dana Brown described France’s injury as “shoulder inflammation.”'
The 29-year-old right-hander dealt with some injury concerns during the spring but was able to make five starts to begin the season. But, it didn't go well as he put together a 0-3 record with a 7.46 ERA. He gave up two or fewer runs just one time in those five starts before being optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land.
Astros manager Joe Espada also gave another update on the situation with France, per Chandler Rome:
‘Astros manager Joe Espada told @SportsTalk790 that J.P. France has been shut down, has “right shoulder soreness” and doctors are conducting more tests.'
This is yet another unfortunate injury hit for the Astros.
The Astros' injuries continue to mount
While France wasn't having the best start to the year, this injury just adds to the long list of depleted Astros players, especially regarding pitchers. Cristian Javier, Bennett Sousa, Luis Garcia, Kendall Graveman, Jose Urquidy, and Lance McCullers Jr. are on the injured list.
Javier is getting closer to a return and Urquidy is also working towards a return as he begins rehab starts, so there is good news coming soon for Houston. Framber Valdez also suffered an injury recently, so things are just not going well to start the year for Houston.
Both Hunter Brown or Spencer Arrighetti have been sprung into more action than Houston was expecting, although Brown got shelled in his third start of the year against the Kansas City Royals in historic fashion. But, Brown has an 0-4 record with an 8.89 ERA and Arrighetti has an 0-3 record with an 8.27 ERA, so they need some boost in the pitching staff soon.
Justin Verlander has made three starts and pitched well, and all the trade rumors about him can be put to bed.
It has been a disappointing beginning to the 2024 season for the Astros, and they are hoping some healthy pitching can help them get back up the AL West standings.
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