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.