Houston Astros right-handed pitcher J.P. France is set to undergo surgical procedure on his throwing shoulder on Monday, a development that further exacerbates the team’s ongoing struggles with injuries to their starting pitchers.
France began the season in the majors but was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land in May after a disappointing start, which saw him go 0-3 with a 7.46 ERA in five outings.
He made one start in the minors before being placed on the injured list due to a shoulder issue. Although he resumed throwing recently, following a month-long hiatus, a setback earlier this week led to the decision to undergo surgery.
The Astros have not disclosed details about the nature of the surgery, but this development adds to the team’s growing list of injuries to their starting rotation.
Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers were sidelined at the start of the season, while José Urquidy and Cristian Javier underwent Tommy John surgery earlier this month. Ace Justin Verlander was also placed on the 15-day injured list with neck discomfort, further depleting the team’s pitching depth.
France’s injury is a blow to the Astros’ rotation, which has been severely tested by the absence of key pitchers. The team will likely rely on their bullpen and other starters to fill the gap, as they seek to cross this challenging period and remain competitive in the league.