Astros Promote Top Prospect Brice Matthews to MLB Debut

Brice Matthews, the Houston Astros' top prospect and a 2023 first-round pick from the University of Nebraska, made his Major League debut on July 11 against the Texas Rangers. Matthews, known for his dynamic play and strong minor league performance, including a .283 batting average with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases this season, was called up from Triple-A Sugar Land ahead of the Astros' home series versus Texas, replacing injured outfielder Jake Meyers. Astros manager Joe Espada plans to utilize Matthews regularly, primarily at second base but potentially also at shortstop, to bolster the team's offense, which has struggled at the keystone position since Jose Altuve moved to left field. Despite his offensive promise, Matthews has struggled with strikeouts, totaling 98 this season, and went hitless with five strikeouts in his first two MLB games, leading to him sitting out the Sunday lineup. His call-up caused him to miss the MLB All-Star Futures Game, underscoring the club's confidence in his immediate contribution. Matthews joins a growing list of former St. Cloud Rox players reaching the majors, highlighting his rapid ascent through the Astros' farm system and his status as a top prospect nationally.