First Round Draft Pick Goes From Faber Field to AL Pennant Contender

(KNSI) – Former Rox infielder Brice Matthews has been called up by an American League pennant contender.

The Houston Astros picked the Texas native at the end of the opening round in 2023 and has been toiling away in Triple-A ball so far this year. Before getting the promotion, Matthews was stinging the baseball with an .876 on-base plus slugging percentage, or OPS. He has hit for average and power with 10 home runs and 39 RBI. Even more impressive is the damage on the base paths. Matthews has swiped 25 bags.

Matthews is considered the number one prospect in the Astros organization. Houston has a rivalry series this weekend at home against the Texas Rangers.

Matthews played his college ball at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Cornhusker made his way north to St. Cloud for Northwoods League play. The signature moment for Matthews at the rock pile came in July 2022. In the 12th inning, he darted for home on a shallow fly ball to right. Matthews had to avoid not one but two tags by the catcher as he danced around the dish and finally was able to sneak his hand in.

Watch it below.