SEATTLE — This weekend’s return to Seattle brought back a lot of different emotions for Ty France, who played for the Mariners for parts of five seasons and was an all-star during his time in Seattle but didn’t quite have the ending he would have hoped.
France struggled struggled last season and was eventually designated for assignment before a trade to the Cincinnati Reds in July. He returned this weekend in a much better place and was welcomed back with a tribute video on Friday, after which he tipped his helmet to an applause from the crowd. He then went out and collected four hits in the series against the Mariners.
“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.”
France’s numbers took a dive last year, in response partially, he’s said in the past, from getting “lost in the mechanical aspect.” He also suffered a right heel fracture during the season, which did nothing to help matters.
It wasn’t the first time he hadn’t had success, but “it was the first time I failed that bad,” he said. His wife, Maggie, and one-year-old son Luka and his life off the field ended up being what helped him enjoy the game more on the field.
“It kind of shows you how little this is compared to life. Having them around, we have our two dogs, too,” he said. “The off the field stuff has made me really appreciate the on the field stuff.”
Signed to a non-guaranteed contract, France made a strong impression this spring and has posted up nearly every day at first base this season for the Twins.
It’s a small sample size, but he’s been particularly good with two outs and runners in scoring position and in late and close situations for the Twins and has fit in seamlessly.
“He’s been a stabilizing presence in our lineup. He’s put good at-bats together,” manager Rocco 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.”
Lee gives thanks to Correa
The last thing Carlos Correa wanted to do was get ejected on Saturday.
During the seventh inning of Saturday’s game, the shortstop was tossed by home-plate umpire Austin Jones from the on-deck circle. He didn’t think it would ever happen in his career — and wasn’t looking forward to having to explain the situation to his young sons, Kylo and Kenzo.
“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. “I’ve also got my kids watching every game so the last thing I want to do is go home and have to explain what happened, but we move on.”
At the very least, his actions were appreciated by Brooks Lee, who was at the plate and had just had two questionable strikes called on him right before the ejection.
“I said, ‘Thank you,’” Lee said. “He said, ‘It’s the first time I’ve ever been tossed, so you know I love you.’”
Briefly
Royce Lewis hit ninth on Sunday amid a slump that has seen him go 0 for 30. He is hitless since May 19 and was removed for Lee, who pinch hit for him in the eighth inning. … The Twins will now head to Sacramento to take on the Athletics in their temporary park. The ballpark is typically used for the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. Joe Ryan is scheduled to start.
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