Brice Matthews appears to be on the verge of his major league debut with the Houston Astros. General Manager Dana Brown has a history of promoting top prospects quickly, as evidenced by Cam Smith’s rapid ascent to the big leagues. With the recent trade of Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs, a spot has opened in the right field, providing a potential opportunity for Smith, but the Astros currently do not have a clear opening on their roster to bring Matthews up.
For the Astros to accommodate Matthews, they will need to make room on the 40-man roster and create an everyday spot for him in the lineup. This leads to speculation about which players may be in jeopardy of losing their roster spots as Matthews’ debut approaches.
Three players who might be at risk include:
1. **Luis Guillorme**: Although Guillorme impressed with an incredible catch in his debut, his versatility across the infield is valuable to Manager Joe Espada. Being one of the few left-handed bats on the roster may work in his favor, making it a tough decision for the team to let him go.
2. **Brendan Rodgers**: Added to the team during spring training, Rodgers has been sidelined with an oblique injury and has struggled offensively, posting just a .191 batting average with a .544 OPS. With his health uncertain and his performance below par, the Astros might not wait for him to regain form.
3. **Mauricio Dubón**: Despite a .260 batting average, Dubón’s overall numbers indicate struggles, particularly with his on-base percentage and power. While it may be unlikely that the team will part ways with him, he could find himself in a backup role if Matthews joins the active roster.
With the Astros evaluated their roster, the emergence of young talents like Brice Matthews showcases the team’s commitment to building for the future while balancing their current needs. As always, these decisions will impact team dynamics and overall performance moving forward. The excitement around Matthews’ potential debut brings hope for the Astros as they navigate their season.