The Astros are designating right-hander J.P. France for assignment, reports Chandler Rome of The Athletic. A 14th-round senior draftee who signed for $1,000 as an amateur, France overcame significant odds to reach the majors at all. He battled a shoulder injury during Spring Training 2024. The Astros have five days to trade the 30-year-old France or expose him to waivers. If the Astros get him through waivers unclaimed, they’ll be able to keep him in the organization as a non-roster invitee to Spring Training.