Padres promote former Aztec Ty France

SAN DIEGO– The San Diego Padres have recalled INF Ty France from Triple-A El Paso. The move was first reported by the San Diego Union Tribune’s Kevin Acee, and confirmed by the club shortly thereafter.

Pirela to IL with oblique strain. https://t.co/xu4wh6qkRu

— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) April 24, 2019

France, who played on the Mesa from 2013-15, was drafted by the Padres in the 34th round (1017th overall) of the 2015 draft. He has worked his way up the minor league ladder since then; making stops in Fort Wayne, Lake Elsinore, San Antonio, & El Paso.

The 24-year-old began the 2019 season on a tear with the Chihuahuas in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. In just 19 games, he recorded 17 extra-base hits (including nine home runs) while slashing a gaudy .423/.451/.885.

This past week, he went 16-for-28 (.571) with 11 extra-base hits and 17 RBI en route to being named PCL Offensive Player of the Week.

France is expected to be a bench bat who can play a number of positions. In his minor league career, he has seen time at first, second, and third base. The former Aztec has also recorded nine minor league innings in left field.

In a corresponding move, utility man Jose Pirela was placed on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain.