The Houston Astros are providing young prospect Brice Matthews with a unique spring training opportunity. The team plans to test him at left field during Saturday’s training game. This decision follows the team’s history of experimenting with player positions to enhance performance.
Brice Matthews’ Background
Brice Matthews is primarily an infielder. Last season, he played nine games in center field at Triple-A Sugar Land. The majority of his appearances were at shortstop or third base, showcasing his versatility.
Current Performance
This spring, Matthews has struggled a bit at the plate. His batting average stands at .222, with a .323 on-base percentage and .296 slugging percentage. Despite this slow start, he has contributed seven RBIs to the team.
Astros’ Left Field Options
- Jose Altuve
- Joey Loperfido
- Yordan Alvarez
- Taylor Trammell
- Zach Dezenzo
- Zach Cole
Among these options, only Yordan Alvarez is guaranteed a spot. However, the Astros aim to utilize him mainly as a designated hitter due to his significant impact in the batting lineup.
Infield Depth and Potential Role
Houston has a crowded infield, diminishing Matthews’ chances of starting at one of those positions. Nick Allen is expected to take the role of utility infielder, which could limit Matthews’ opportunities. The Astros might consider him for a bench role that offers flexibility in both infield and outfield positions.
Impending Deadline
Matthews has a limited timeframe to impress the coaching staff. Opening day is set for March 26 against the Los Angeles Angels, creating urgency for him to adapt. Last season, in his brief appearance in the Majors, he managed a .167 batting average but showcased his potential by hitting four home runs in just 42 at-bats.
Triple-A Success
During his first full season with the Astros’ top affiliate, Matthews excelled, slashing .260/.371/.458 with 17 home runs and 64 RBIs across 112 games. His impressive performance at Triple-A earned him a promotion to the MLB on July 11.
The Astros’ decision to explore Matthews’ capabilities in left field may reflect their desire to find versatile players capable of filling various roles as they seek success in the upcoming season.
