RADIO
Brice Matthews to Earn a Starting Role in Houston's Outfield?
Houston Astros outfield prospect Brice Matthews will start in left field in the team's Grapefruit League matchup on Friday night against the Miami Marlins, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Matthews got off to a hot start at the plate this spring but comes into Friday hitting .226 (7-for-31) with a home run, nine RBI, six runs scored, six stolen bases, six walks, and 11 strikeouts in 37 plate appearances over 13 games played. The 24-year-old has primarily been an infielder in his time in the minors, but he has been working in the outfield this spring for the Astros and has been impressive. The former first-rounder (28th overall) in 2023 hit .260/.371/.458 with an .830 OPS, 17 homers, 64 RBI, 70 runs, and 41 steals in 112 games at Triple-A Sugar Land before going 7-for-42 (.167) with four homers and nine RBI in his first 13 big-league games. Although Matthews has been playing the outfield, he still could be the eventual replacement at second base down the road for Jose Altuve. Per MLB Pipeline, he's the team's No. 4 prospect. Because of his quick-twitch athleticism and impressive bat speed, Matthews has the potential to hit 30 home runs.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
