Brice Matthews was poised to shine at the All-Star Futures Game this weekend, but fate had a different plan. Instead, the young infielder made his major league debut for the Houston Astros on Friday, delivering an emotional moment for his family and friends present at Daikin Park.
Originally, Matthews’ parents, Stephen and Edrice, had mapped out a weekend itinerary that included traveling to Chicago and Atlanta to see their son play in the Futures Game. However, a call from Brice altered their plans just hours before the Triple-A Sugar Land game against Oklahoma City, inviting them instead to watch his debut at home.
“This was the moment we’ve been waiting for,” Edrice expressed, recounting the emotional whirlwind of the past day, which included tears of joy as they reflected on their son’s journey from childhood to this significant milestone.
Brice, who was drafted by the Astros in 2021 at No. 28 overall, debuted in a game against the Texas Rangers, which ended in a 7-3 loss for the Astros. His promotion to the majors came as the team dealt with significant injuries to key players, prompting the organization to expedite his ascent into the big leagues.
Manager Joe Espada emphasized that while Matthews showed potential, he remains a work in progress. “He’s an athletic guy with power, and he can play defense,” Espada noted, indicating the team’s willingness to develop Matthews further while addressing pressing roster needs.
Despite the daunting task of stepping into the majors with limited minor league experience, Matthews displayed determination and resilience. During the game, he had four at-bats but struck out three times and flew out; however, Espada observed that Matthews’ performance improved as the game progressed, highlighting his ability to adapt under pressure.
“I felt like as the night went on, my at-bats got better, I got more comfortable out there,” said Matthews, reflecting on his debut experience. With more games ahead, including starts against formidable pitchers like Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, the Astros are eager to see how his development unfolds in the coming weeks.
The Astros’ reliance on young talent like Matthews underscores the changing landscape of the team as they navigate challenging injuries while vying for a competitive edge in the league. This opportunity not only signifies a new chapter in Matthews’ career but also represents hope for the Astros as they look to reclaim their position in the standings.