After being released by the Astros, right-hander JP France has landed with the Padres on a minor league deal. The San Diego Padres signed right-handed pitcher JP France to a minor league contract Sunday after his release from the Houston Astros organization. France appeared in only three major league games for the Astros this season before being designated for assignment. Article Continues BelowFrance owns a 4.49 ERA across 172 1/3 career major league innings, with most of that workload coming during his 2023 rookie campaign. Since the start of 2024, however, he has recorded a 7.00 ERA in 36 major league innings after injuries, including shoulder surgery, interrupted his progress.