Matthews is still viewed as a second baseman long term, but he'll get some run in the outfield in 2026, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

"He's going to get some run in the outfield, but second base is still going to be his main position," general manager Dana Brown said. "We project he'll turn the corner with the bat and get maybe some run in the outfield a little bit, as well." Matthews is situated as a backup option at shortstop and second base, but he'd need an injury to Jeremy Pena or Jose Altuve to get regular run in the middle infield in 2026. The Astros probably aren't done making moves this offseason, but Brown and manager Joe Espada were complimentary about Matthews' potential in the short term and long term. Matthews is a great athlete with plus speed and above-average raw power. He slashed .260/.371/.458 with 17 home runs, 41 steals and a 27.9 percent strikeout rate in 112 games in the Pacific Coast League. A .167 BABIP and 42.6 percent strikeout rate led to a .167 batting average and .222 on-base percentage in the majors, but he showed off his tools with four home runs and one steal in 13 games.

Matthews was called up from Triple-A Sugar Land on Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews will return to the major-league roster after being sent down Aug. 26, batting .209 with four home runs, 17 RBI, 12 runs scored and 11 stolen bases over 24 games following his demotion. Matthews will replace Jake Meyers (calf) with the big-league club after Meyers was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday.

The Astros optioned Matthews to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews was recalled last week but did not make an appearance during this most recent stint in the majors. He's clearing out to make room on the active roster for the return of Yordan Alvarez (hand).

The Astros recalled Matthews from Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews is taking the roster spot of the injured Taylor Trammell (neck). The rookie had a .611 OPS and 45 percent strikeout rate during his first stint with the big club and is a candidate to be sent back down next week when/if Yordan Alvarez (hand) returns.

The Astros optioned Matthews to Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Houston's top prospect, Matthews got his first taste of the big leagues in July and slashed .143/.211/.400 with three home runs, eight RBI, five runs scored and a 2:18 BB:K across 40 plate appearances. With Jeremy Pena (ribs) back from the IL and the addition of Carlos Correa, the Astros can let Matthews get more seasoning in the minors.

Matthews is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Since slugging three home runs and driving in seven runs in his first six big-league games, Matthews' production has fallen off considerably. In his last five contests, Matthews has gone just 1-for-15 with nine strikeouts, and his ongoing struggles appear to have resulted in him moving into more of a part-time role. He'll be on the bench Wednesday for the fourth time in six games.

Matthews is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews is just 1-for-15 with nine strikeouts over his previous five games and has now been out of the lineup three times across the Astros' last five contests. Shay Whitcomb is handling second base and batting eighth Tuesday.

Matthews is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews will hit the bench for the second time in the series while he's gone just 1-for-12 with seven strikeouts over his last four games. With Matthews out of the lineup, Jose Altuve will fill in at the keystone, while Cooper Hummel picks up a start in left field.

Matthews went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews appears to be liking Arizona's pitching, hitting the first three homers of his big-league career over the last two games. The infielder's blast off reliever Jake Woodford on Tuesday was a clutch one, giving the Astros a 2-1 lead in the eighth inning after they were stymied for 6.1 innings by Eduardo Rodriguez. Matthews is now 4-for-20 with three homers, seven RBI, five runs scored and a 2:9 BB:K through six major-league contests. As long as he continues to show growth at the plate, he should be able to hold down a starting role at second base.

Matthews went 2-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI in Monday's 6-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews had shown little success at the plate during his first call-up, going 1-for-12 with a walk and six strikeouts over his first four games. That changed Monday, as he took Zac Gallen deep in the second inning for a three-run blast, then came back for more with a two-run homer in the seventh to chase the Arizona starter from the game. Matthews still has some work to do to become a trusted part of the Astros' lineup, but the team is letting him do some learning on the job for now. He's started five of seven games at second base since his call-up, and if Matthews sticks there, Jose Altuve will continue to see more time in left field.