France Finds new Life with Twins After Mariners ⁢Stint

​ ‍ updated June 1, 2025

Ty France’s return to seattle this weekend stirred a mix⁤ of emotions. After parts of five ⁤seasons⁤ with the Mariners, including an All-Star ⁣appearance, his tenure ⁣ended with a trade ​to the ⁤Cincinnati Reds in July. ⁢Now with the ⁢twins, France received ⁣a⁤ tribute video and standing ovation ⁣from Seattle fans, responding ⁢with a ‍tip of his⁢ helmet. He then⁣ proceeded to collect four hits in the series⁣ against his former​ team.

France said he is enjoying baseball more now.Last year, he struggled, partly due to focusing too ‍much ⁣on‍ mechanics and a⁣ right heel⁣ fracture. He described it as the first⁤ time he had “failed that bad.” The ⁢support of his wife, Maggie, and their son, Luka, has helped‌ him regain his thankfulness for the game.

Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli praised France’s impact. “He’s been a‍ stabilizing presence⁣ in our lineup,” Baldelli said. “He’s been great in our clubhouse, with his teammates… He’s‌ got really good character and⁤ charisma. He’s been everything we could hope for.” France, signed to a non-guaranteed contract, has become a fixture at ⁣first base and ‍has performed well⁤ with runners ‍in⁤ scoring ⁢position.

“I’m having‌ a lot more ⁤fun. This game is hard. You go through a bunch of waves,” ​France said. “Obviously how things ⁣ended​ here kind of ‌—​ not⁢ that it ⁤wasn’t ready for my time to end here but⁣ kind of felt‌ like it was ripped away. Didn’t really get the closure and ending that I wanted but coming⁤ here to Minnesota, getting this opportunity to play ‍here … it’s been a great ride.”

Correa Ejected; Lee Appreciates Gesture

Carlos Correa was ejected from Saturday’s game ​by home-plate umpire Austin Jones for​ arguing⁢ from the on-deck circle. Correa said he didn’t want to be thrown out, especially with his children watching. ​Brooks Lee,⁤ who was batting at the ‌time, appreciated Correa’s support after ‌two questionable strike​ calls.‍ “I said,‘Thank you,’” Lee said. “He said,‘It’s the first time I’ve ⁤ever been tossed,so you ⁤know I‍ love you.’”

“I understand the situation ‍of the game. I understand that I cannot get thrown out,so I’m never going‌ to​ disrespect an umpire,I’m​ never going to say anything that would make‍ them want to throw me out,” Correa said.

What’s ‌next

The Twins continue their season with a series against the Athletics in Sacramento. joe⁣ Ryan is scheduled to⁣ start. Royce⁣ Lewis,currently in a slump,is looking ⁤to rebound after going hitless in his last⁣ 30 at-bats.