The Houston Astros made several roster moves on Monday, sidelining infielder Nick Allen due to back spasms and sending him to the injured list. The team also reassigned right-handed pitcher J.P. France to their Triple-A affiliate in Sugar Land through an outright assignment.
Houston filled Allen’s spot on the active roster by promoting infielder Braden Shewmake, who was recently obtained in a trade, from their Sugar Land farm club. Additionally, the organization transferred right-hander Cristian Javier to the 60-day injured list as he continues dealing with a shoulder injury.
The 27-year-old Allen has posted a .250 batting average this season while crossing home plate five times across 14 appearances. Throughout his professional career spanning time with Oakland from 2022-25 and now Houston, Allen maintains a .214 lifetime average with nine long balls and 65 runs batted in over 396 total games.
France, who is 31 years old, struggled this season with an 8.10 earned run average through three appearances for the Astros. Over parts of four campaigns with Houston, the pitcher carries a 4.49 ERA across 34 total outings, including 28 as a starter. The team designated him for assignment last week before he passed through waivers unclaimed.
The 28-year-old Shewmake was Atlanta’s top selection in the 2019 amateur draft and came to Houston via trade with the New York Yankees this past Sunday. During his 31 major league contests split between the Braves and Chicago White Sox, Shewmake has compiled a .118 career batting mark with one home run and four RBIs.
