Beat writer Matt Kawahara answers a variety of Astros questions in his bi-weekly mailbag, including if Houston will add a left-handed bat at the trade deadline.

Across the past two seasons, the team has either failed to diagnose or failed to reveal fractures in two franchise players.

Matthews was a fringe candidate to join the 2025 Astros roster after advancing through various levels in the minor league system. Still, after spending more time at second base and hitting .283 with 10 homers, 39 RBIs and 25 steals, Matthews was chosen to play in the 2025 All-Star Futures Game.

Brice Matthews, who played at Atascocita, will join the Astros on Friday as team continues to deal with injuries.