The best first baseman in the American League is back, as the Seattle Mariners have activated 1B Ty France from the 10-day IL this afternoon. France will start tonight’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays and hit second behind his fellow potential All-Star, OF Julio Rodríguez. France had been sidelined with a left elbow strain suffered when Oakland Athletics infielder Sheldon Neuse ran through him on a wide throw following a blown would-be strike three call. In a corresponding move, OF Marcus Wilson was demoted to Triple-A Tacoma.
The return of France is obviously enormous news for Seattle, who have spent most of the last couple months short handed on several fronts in their lineup.