Spring training is often a proving ground for new strategies and player development, a time when teams aren’t afraid to experiment. The Houston Astros have a history of this, famously shifting veteran infielder Jose Altuve to left field during a past spring training. The goal was to keep Altuve’s potent bat in the lineup while addressing perceived defensive limitations at second base. While that particular experiment didn’t yield lasting results, Altuve is now primarily back at his familiar second base position, though occasional cameos in left field aren’t entirely out of the question.
This year, the Astros are embarking on a similar, yet distinct, experimental venture with a much younger prospect: infielder Brice Matthews. According to reports, the Astros are giving the highly-touted prospect a look in left field during a recent spring training game.
Brice Matthews: A New Outfield Role?
This move presents an intriguing opportunity for Matthews. A review of his player statistics reveals that while he has primarily played shortstop and third base throughout his career, he did see action in center field for nine games last season at the Triple-A level with Sugar Land.
During the current spring training, Matthews has posted a batting line of .222/.323/.296, with no home runs and seven runs batted in. The Astros possess several established options for the left field position. This outfield experiment might simply be a chance for the MLB coaching staff to evaluate Matthews’ adaptability and performance in a new defensive role, especially considering his limited Major League experience last season, where he played all but one of his 14 games at second base.
However, there’s also the possibility that the Astros are not entirely satisfied with their current left field projections and are exploring whether Matthews could provide a solution. The team’s internal depth chart for left field includes a mix of players such as Jose Altuve, Joey Loperfido, Yordan Alvarez, Taylor Trammell, Zach Dezenzo, and Zach Cole. Of this group, only Yordan Alvarez is considered a guaranteed fixture. Nevertheless, the Astros would prefer to utilize Alvarez primarily as a designated hitter to maximize his offensive impact, which is crucial to the team’s success.
Navigating a Crowded Infield and Potential Versatility
Adding to the complexity is Houston’s significant infield depth. Even if Matthews were to prove himself capable of starting at one of the infield positions, the abundance of Major League-caliber infield talent on the roster makes securing a starting spot incredibly challenging. Nick Allen is anticipated to fill the utility infielder role. This situation suggests that the Astros might be looking for a player who can offer versatility, contributing both in the infield and the outfield, to fill a bench role. Matthews could potentially fit this mold, but the window to prove his worth is rapidly closing, with Opening Day slated for March 26 against the Los Angeles Angels.
In his brief stint in the Majors last season, Matthews showcased flashes of his offensive potential. He recorded a slash line of .167/.222/.452. Despite the lower batting average and on-base percentage, he managed to hit four home runs and drive in nine runs over just 42 at-bats. While he didn’t register any doubles or triples, which impacted his slugging percentage, he demonstrated that his bat possesses significant power. This power was a consistent theme throughout his time at Triple-A Sugar Land.
Over 112 games with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, Matthews delivered an impressive slash line of .260/.371/.458, along with 17 home runs and 64 runs batted in. This performance in his first full season with the Astros’ top affiliate was instrumental in earning him a promotion to the Major League club on July 11. The current outfield experiment in spring training could be a strategic move to unlock further potential and versatility in his game.
