Article: Brewers Minor League Link Report (5/6): No Escaping the Saturday Losing Vibe

[Jim Goulart]

If you are understandably frustrated with the Brewers' recent play (winless streak now at six), then perhaps you are visiting our minor league corner of BrewerFanatic hoping for an escape. Unfortunately, we can't assist you here with any victory news. Oh sure, we can always point out individual positive performances of note on the farm, but the loss factory was cranking on the weekend shift, nowhere more evident than with the now 8-17 Timber Rattlers. We'll do what we can, including kicking off with a positive transaction note via the Wisconsin roster.

Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic

TRANSACTIONS: 

Timber Rattlers activated LF Hendry Mendez from the 7-day injured list.

Nice to see, as the promising 19-year-old Mendez was injured in an awkward slide at second base just four games into the season back on April 13th.
 

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Final: St. Paul (Twins) 10, Nashville 7, completion of Friday's suspended game
Postponed: Regularly scheduled game to be made up Sunday as part of a doubleheader

Via the Sounds' site, we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of your season-long Link Report routine:

Sounds Let Leads Slip, Fall to Saints 

Pre-Game Media Notes 

Box Score / Game Log

The bottom of the order was very productive with SS Andruw Monasterio adding three walks to the three-run HR he clubbed Friday night as the game began. So kudos to 2B Patrick Dorrian, C Payton Henry, Eddy Alvarez in a pinch-hit spot, and RF Monte Harrison for some crooked numbers in their box lines.

That being said, there can only be one main take out of this one, and that is the lack of progression from LHP Robert Gasser, now with 23 men placed on base via walk or HBP in 26.1 innings. The strikeouts were there (eight of them, 34 on the season). Over on our forum's nightly farm thread, discussion on the big piece of the Josh Hader trade's lack of command and big exit velocity against.
 

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Final: Montgomery (Rays) 5, Biloxi 4

Via the Shuckers' site:

Shuckers Fall to Biscuits, 5-4, in 10 Innings - Wild pitch brings home winning run for Montgomery, Shuckers fall in extras for second time in the series

Pre-Game Media Notes 

Box Score / Game Log

Given the mostly positive results and news coming out of the organization's Southern League entry thus far in 2023, it seems like the Shuckers would be better off than two games over .500, but these recent close defeats have stung. 

*Here's the yearly disclaimer that wins and losses within the system pale in importance to player development. Well, tell that to everyone associated with the affiliates, and to those who craft these nightly reports (a bit easier to focus on the positive when there are plenty of positives).

Jackson Chourio didn't strike out, but he was 0-for-5, so let's see how that came about:

• Flied out to CF on a 2-1 count in the 1st with a man on first base and no outs
• Grounded out to SS on a 2-1 count leading off the 3rd
• Flied out to RF on an 0-2 count to end the 4th with a man on first base
• Popped out to 1B on the first pitch of his at-bat to end the 6th with a man on second base
• Grounded out 3-1 on a 3-2 count to end a 1-2-3 8th

Chourio is 110 at-bats into 2023, and the line is at .255/.294/.373 (.667 OPS). As of next week, Chourio will be only 19 years, two months old. That being said, we'll see if Baseball America reconsiders Chourio's #1 overall prospect status any time soon (hello, Jackson Holliday).

Noah Campbell, plugged into the leadoff spot, was on base three more times, stole a base, and has an OPS sitting at 1.026.

There are four more highlight videos via the Shuckers media feed on Twitter, including on the glove side. Biloxi is getting Voice of the Shuckers Javik Blake's overlayed calls on these road game MiLB TV feeds, remarkable work to our benefit.
 

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Final: Peoria (Cardinals) 7, Wisconsin 3

Via the Timber Rattlers' site:

Chiefs Surge Past Wisconsin for 7-3 Win - Rattlers grab early lead, but can’t hold on as they drop their fifth straight game

Pre-Game Media Notes (Download Link) via the team's Virtual Press Box

Box Score / Game Log

Hendry Mendez, in his customary RF spot, singled and walked in his return, he was lifted late in this return outing.

Darrien Miller, HBP 24 times in 2022, was plunked for just the 2nd time this season.

Robert Moore doubled twice in his quest to overcome a rough start. It is crazy early in this season, and we all (including this Link Report author) need to remember that. 

That being said, this Timber Rattlers 2023 Championship season will require a second-half division crown, it seems.

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Final: Delmarva (Orioles) 5, Carolina 2

Via the Mudcats' site:

Early Runs Not Enough in 5-2 Loss - Carolina pitchers combined to issue a season high 11 walks in the loss

Pre-Game Media Notes 

Box Score / Game Log

None of the three pitchers you'll see in the box escaped the base on balls parade.

Out of character for starter Alexander Vallecillo this spring, 

Recently turned 19-year-old third baseman Luke Adams stole his 7th base in nine attempts. He stole nine in ten attempts in just 11 Maryvale games last summer. Your reminder that Adams is listed at 6'4", 215. Ah, young legs.

On the flip side, switch-hitting Luis Lara (and we do love ourselves some Luis Lara) stole his first base for the Mudcats (2nd attempt). Given Lara's apparent wonderful hit tool (but with undeveloped-as-of-yet pop), Lara will need to improve in the SB category. One shortcoming in his Dominican Complex League season in 2022 was SB efficiency (just 50%, 8-for-16).

2022 4th round catcher Matt Wood, in his age 22 season, singled and walked twice (1.002 OPS). Wood is eight days older than the T-Rats' Darrien Miller. Time to consider (OK, a bit premature) Wood's inclusion with William Contreras and Jeferson Quero in one place the Brewers remain remarkably strong.
 

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Getaway start times of 3:00 Central for the Shuckers and Timber Rattlers today - what's up there? At least Monday's remain off days. Earlier starts for the Sounds (playing two) and Mudcats should you choose to peek in prior to enjoying the big-league club obliterate their losing streak this afternoon, calling it now. Sunday Funday, everyone, enjoy!

Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores
Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth
Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth
 

 

 

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