The Matt Thomas Show

The Matt Thomas Show

"The Matt Thomas Show" airs noon-3 p.m. daily on SportsTalk790 (790 AM and 94.5-2 HD) with in-depth analysis on Houston sports including the Astros...Full Bio

Verlander Struggles Against Yankees, Bregman Needs To Improve, NBA vs. NFL Players

Matt and Ross Create A Therapeutic Space For Astros Fans Amidst A Rough Start To The Season

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show create a therapeutic space for Astros fans to vent, meditate and find peace amidst a 12-23 start to the season.

Astros Jon Singleton 'Trying To Take Full Advantage' Of First Base Chance

Astros first baseman Jon Singleton joins The Matt Thomas Show ahead of the second game of a three-game road series against the New York Yankees. Singleton was sharing time at first base with Jose Abreu to start the season; however, after Abreu was optioned to extended spring training, Singleton has taken over at first base and recorded his first three home runs of the season. "I'm just here to do a job," and "I'm trying to take full advantage" of this opportunity, Singleton said. The Astros lost the series opener to the Yankees 10-3 on Tuesday and have dropped to 12-23 on the season. "We're all in good spirits," but "anytime you're not performing to your capabilities...it's definitely disappointing."

J.P. France Joins Injured Astros Starters, Tank Dell Recovery Update, Problematic NBA Officiating

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show preview the Houston Astros going on the road to take on the New York Yankees in a three-game series starting Tuesday. During the show, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that J.P. France has suffered a shoulder injury that could keep him out "a while." Astros manager Joe Espada joins to give an update on France, as well as detail his strategy when it comes to manipulating the lineups. Matt and Ross also discuss Tank Dell recovering from a gunshot wound, react to general manager Dana Brown saying that the Astros will not be a seller, talk about the latest officiating problems in the NBA playoffs and more.

Manager Joe Espada Says 'There's No Timetable' For José Abreu's MLB Return

Manager Joe Espada joins The Matt Thomas Show ahead of the first game of a three-game series against the New York Yankees starting Tuesday. Playing at Yankee Stadium is "definitely a different feeling," said Espada as the Astros look to bounce back from a 2-1 series loss to the Seattle Mariners. Minutes before Espada spoke, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that J.P. France has a shoulder injury that could keep him out "a while." Espada said "we're not very concerned" right now with the severity of France's injury, but it's "not what you want to hear." The Astros have five healthy Major League starters on its 40-man roster. However, Espada provides some good news that Cristian Javier is returning form injury. "The plan is for him to start this weekend in Detroit." Espada also comments on lineup changes, saying too many adjustments can create confusion. "We have been a very consistent lineup for many years," and "regardless of where you're hitting, you have a job to do" and "we cannot allow the pitcher to control our bats." First baseman Jose Abreu was optioned to Florida for extended spring training, and even though Espada has been talking to Abreu daily, "there's no timetable" for his return to the Astros.

Astros Lose Mariners Series, Watt Teases Return To Texans, Tom Brady Roast

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show discuss the Houston Astros losing to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday to drop the series 2-1 at Minute Maid Park. Kyle Tucker and Jon Singleton both scored two-run home runs to give the Astros the lead heading into the eighth. However, Bryan Abreu hit the second batter he faced, committed a balk and then allowed an RBI single to tie the game. Josh Hader took over in the ninth and gave up a home run to Cal Raleigh, giving the lead back to the Mariners who would win 5-4. Matt and Ross also talk about J.J. Watt's comments on a possible return to the Texans, ridicule fans for starting "the wave" in the ninth inning, react to jokes from "The Roast of Tom Brady," review the best diss tracks in music history, play "To Tell the Truth" and more.

Jon Singleton Earns Astros First Base Job, Darvin Ham Fired, NBA TV Rights

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show review the Houston Astros winning their second straight series following a 8-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday. The Astros took the three-game series 2-1 at Minute Maid Park. The Astros have lacked offensive production from the first base position to start the season, leading Jose Abreu to be optioned to extended spring training. However, Jon Singleton has proven himself to be a starter following the Guardians series, recording a three-run home run Tuesday and a two-run home run and three RBI Thursday. Will his success continue into the weekend series against the Seattle Mariners? Matt and Ross also discuss Warren Moon's comments on the new Texans uniforms, recap Milwaukee Bucks guard Patrick Beverley getting into it with fans and postgame media following elimination from the NBA playoffs, react to the Los Angeles Lakers firing head coach Darvin Ham, predict the future of NBA games on television, tell their "Non-Florida Stories" and more.

Guardians Tie Astros Series, Charles Barkley Sounds Off On Media, Deion Social Media Beef

Matt Thomas and Ross Villarreal of The Matt Thomas Show discuss the Astros losing 3-2 against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins to recap the Guardians tying the three-game series with the Astros in back-to-back extra-inning games at Minute Maid Park. Astros outfielder Joey Loperfido also joins to detail how he got called-up and review his first two Major League starts. Matt and Ross talk about Charles Barkley's comments on the NBA media, react to Deion Sanders arguing with former players on social media, say "I Just Don't Get It" and more.

Astros Joey Loperfido Talks Experience At First Base, Getting Called-Up

Astros outfielder Joey Loperfido joins The Matt Thomas Show ahead of the series tiebreaker against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday at Minute Maid Park. After first baseman Jose Abreu was optioned to extended spring training, the Astros officially called-up Loperfido, who was leading the Minor Leagues in home runs with 13. "It kind of caught me off guard" getting called-up, but "it was awesome to share that moment with the guys" of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys. Loperfido made his debut Tuesday against the Guardians, going 1-5 with two RBI and two strikeouts. Loperfido has been in the outfield in his two games with the Astros, but earned some experience at first base in Sugar Land. "Duke was my only offer," and playing first base "was the only way to get into the lineup" as a freshman. When asked if he anticipates playing at first base with the Astros, Loperfido says "I'm going to play wherever the team wants me to play." Loperfido also reveals his real first name, which stadium he looks forward to playing at the most and more.

Brian McTaggart Says Verlander Took 'A Good Step' In 3rd Start Despite Loss

Brian McTaggart, Astros beat reporter for MLB.com, joins The Matt Thomas Show to discuss the Astros losing 3-2 against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. The Guardians even the three-game series with the Astros in back-to-back extra-inning games at Minute Maid Park. Ace Justin Verlander had a good outing for his third start of the season, pitching a season-high seven innings. "I think Justin just wants to pitch as deep as he can," McTaggart said. Prior to Tuesday's game, the Astros announced that first baseman Jose Abreu accepted an option to the spring training facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. Abreu is attempting to "save his Astros career" and "it's going to be a grind," but he deserves respect because "most players of his stature would say 'No thanks.'" With Abreu undergoing extended spring training, McTaggart says the Astros are "pretty well covered" at first base with Jon Singleton, Trey Cabbage, Mauricio Dubon, Yainer Diaz and Joey Loperfido.