Article: Which Minor League Hitters Will Join the Brewers On September 1st?

[Jake McKibbin]

Unlike last season, the Brewers have plenty of reinforcements ready in the upper levels of their farm system. Their lineup needs a boost. These hitters are ready for the September call.

Image courtesy of Mike Krebs, Biloxi Shuckers

Assuming Craig Counsell will be adding one pitcher and one hitter when the schedule rolls into September, there are a plethora of options available to him. Below we will consider the players battling for a spot, but also include a few long-shot bets as well. Certainly, much strategy will be used to determine which players can add a dimension for the team that it needs. 

Hitters
IF Abraham Toro
One thing Counsell values is versatility, and for that reason, as well as several positive experiences so far with the big league club, Toro should be the frontrunner to get the call. Having hit two home runs in his 18 at-bats so far with the Brewers, while performing above expectations at first base, and the ability to adequately play at second or third base, he fits the usual profile of a Brewers late-season callup. He isn’t a quality defender at either of the latter positions, but he is passable, on top of which he’s a switch hitter which opens up a myriad of opportunities in late-game situations to use his bat off the bench. 

The Brewers roster currently features a lot of outfielders, so it makes sense that an infielder is the likely addition, and Toro’s versatility, on top of his torrid run of form in July where he hit .386/.443/.700, should give him the nod. It may not be the most exciting of picks, but it does just… fit.

Tyler Black
Tyler Black was only recently promoted to Triple-A Nashville, but he is one of the most exciting hitters in the Brewers system. He has demonstrated outstanding plate discipline and quality bat-to-ball skills. That can be shown in his results. He has a 19.7% strikeout rate and a 15.9% walk rate. The 2021 top pick has also displayed a notable increase in his power production. At the same time, he has maintained his great speed. He had eight triples and a massive 47 stolen bases at Double-A Biloxi prior to his promotion.

Coming into the season, he was very raw at the hot corner, but throughout the year, has improved to the point that he is now making difficult plays look routine. He may never be a plus-defender, but he can definitely handle himself just fine at third base. He has spent some time at first base as well. He has shown good range and hands so far in his limited action there.

For Black to get the nod, he will have to show his above-average bat translates easily and quickly to Triple-A pitching. His plate discipline should provide a good floor for his production, but it is his power potential that could make the difference between him and Toro. He’ll have a month or so to show he can make a difference at the plate in Nashville. That is where the Brewers need the most help. If his bat plays, he’ll play.

Out-of-Left-Field Options
Patrick Dorrian
Dorrian is unlikely to be the first name on many people’s lists, but he provides something the others may not: Raw Power. He has been hot of late. He hit .286/.391/.571 in July with the Sounds and gone bananas to start August with five home runs so far, hitting .393/.433/1.036 for a monstrous OPS. When he hits balls, they stay hit, and the Brewers could really do with some middle-of-the-order punch to help them put up crooked numbers.

Jackson Chourio
As mentioned previously, the outfield is filled to the brim in the current roster makeup. However, if he gets a promotion to Triple-A, the organization's top prospect has the ability to be a true difference-maker. He’ll have less time at the top level of the minors compared to Tyler Black, and the power has cooled off a little bit in August, but he could be the type of player that carries the team. He’s that good.

Keston Hiura
I’d be remiss not to at least mention Hiura, although with Canha, Santana and soon, Rowdy Tellez covering first base, and the outfield sorted, it may be tough to get playing time without the aforementioned players getting DFA’d. His bat has been very different since his return from injury, lacking the power he had to start the season. However, his strikeout rate has stayed low while hitting .278/.394/.442. Of note, that OBP is fueled by a lot of hit by pitches. If he finds the timing he had in April and May, he can carry an offense. If not, it’ll be next year for dear Keston.

Are there other hitters that you think warrant consideration for a September call-up? Which of the above names do you think could make the biggest difference to a struggling lineup in September?

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[wibadgers23]

If Black doesn’t completely flop in AAA over the next few weeks, I think it will be him. I think they have him following the same trajectory as Mitchell did last year.

[CheeseheadInQC]

Wouldn’t the boring but easy answer be whoever gets sent down when Rowdy comes back?

[Outlander]

Yeah, probably just Perkins coming back up. Owen Miller also wasn't mentioned.

[Jim French Stepstool]

I'll also predict one hitter added, and one pitcher. Who the hitter(s) would be largely depends on performances in the next few weeks. For example, if Tellez comes back with a warm bat he & Canha could cover DH, lessening the need for Toro or Black (or Dorrian/Hiura if they're even in the picture). In that case Miller elbows his way into the conversation. The surge by Monasterio probably works against Black a little, too.

If we suddenly see a stabilized rotation turning in more outings of 7 innings--it certainly isn't out of the question--then maybe we stay with 13 pitchers. Odds are probably against that, though.

[Jim French Stepstool]

1 hour ago, Outlander said:

Yeah, probably just Perkins coming back up. Owen Miller also wasn't mentioned.

That's an oblique (Perkins), right? Those can sometimes linger. 

[Sixtolezcano]

Do the 2 players you select to be #27 and 28 remain static. Or can you continue to interchange with other MiLB players?

[Jake McKibbin]

1 hour ago, Sixtolezcano said:

Do the 2 players you select to be #27 and 28 remain static. Or can you continue to interchange with other MiLB players?

No you can continue to interchange them, so you'll likely see players being optioned and called up through September depending on form, fatigue etc

[ClosetBrewerFan]

Yeah, I think the hitter will be boring.  It will be a rotation of the same guys we have been seeing or from the IL (Jones, Miller, Perkins, Tellez, maybe Ruf or even (shudder) Winker).  If Black would immediately tear up AAA, he could give them no other option.  But that is not happening so far in his first 5 games.  Still a chance, but unlikely.

[wntrtxn21]

Dorrian is a name you never hear, but he may be worth a look. Gasser is a lefty for the pen if nothing else. My prediction is Gasser and they bring back Toro (Toro  goes down when Rowdy is ready).

[biedergb]

Do the September call ups have to be in the 40 man roster?

that will impact right?

and historically (even when rosters could be bigger) CC chose prospects for a cup of coffee to see the bugs, or guys with one great tool (speed as a PR; defensive sub; or a RH or LH option for late inning PHing).

[Jake McKibbin]

6 minutes ago, biedergb said:

Do the September call ups have to be in the 40 man roster?

that will impact right?

and historically (even when rosters could be bigger) CC chose prospects for a cup of coffee to see the bugs, or guys with one great tool (speed as a PR; defensive sub; or a RH or LH option for late inning PHing).

He does, he loves the versatility! They will have to be on the 40 man.

Your point actually makes me remember something else that was mentioned, they may consider Garrett Mitchell purely as pinch runner in late September which could be interesting 

[Jopal78]

Presumably, they’ll be trying to sew up a division title so I’d guess Rea for depth (maybe Megill or Lauer) in the pen, and someone to pinch hit, pinch run, be a defensive replacement— so Miller, Jones,  Perkins (if healthy). Wouldn’t rule out a 3rd catcher either (but that creates a 40 man roster issue)

[jerichoholicninja]

Man the new September callup rules are terrible. Yes, 40 was too many, not that any team actually had that many anyway. But only adding 2 players seems pointless. It was always fun to see some prospects get a couple at bats or speed or defense guys get into a game but now the guys that get called up are the same guys who've been riding the MLB/AAA shuttle all year so it really does nothing to help your roster.

[wildcat2237]

A lot of people were clamoring for Tyler Black a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, he has a .125 BA with a  .323 OBP at Nashville (only 31 Plate Appearances, so yes, a small sample size). So Black is not likely  going be to the guy. 

Dorrian has been tearing it up at AAA lately, so he would be my choice, but he's not on the 40 man so I doubt it happens. 

My guess is: 

1. JB Bukauskas, Rea, or Teheren for the bullpen.

2. Jahmai Jones or Rowdy for a pinch hitter. 

[CheezWizHed]

Both Black and Chourio have far too great a chance of starting next year at AAA for them to be added to the 40-man roster now.  When they force the club's hand at playing they will be added, but not before.  Less of a problem for people that probably aren't longer term prospects - Huira or Dorrian