Brewers Minor League Link Report (9/21): Nashville Stumbles, But Chourio and Miller Are Hitting

[Ro Mueller]

Aaron Ashby’s rehab start went poorly, with the Sounds trailing 5-0 before the offense had a chance to bat. Three games remain on the season, as Nashville tries to hold onto the second half International League West title.

Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic

Transactions:

• C Jose Sibrian released by Low-A Carolina
• OF Arbert Cipion released by High-A Wisconsin

Sibrian’s been a loyal soldier for eight seasons in the Brewers’ organization, re-upping in 2023 even after hitting free agency. Releasing him likely enables him to commence this year’s free agency a bit earlier, so he can see what’s available in the market. I have to believe that the Brewers will keep the door wide open for Sibrian's return in 2024, where he could pair up with Matt Wood at Wisconsin.

Cipion missed the 2023 season with an injury, during which he was expecting to be an integral part of the Wisconsin outfield. A 2018 draft pick (9th round - $138,200 signing bonus), the parallel with Micah Bello is difficult to ignore. Drafted the same year, each had one exceptional month with Low-A Carolina in 2022 (Bello – .994 April OPS, Cipion – 1.051 May OPS), struggled a bit with injuries after promotion to High-A Wisconsin and never quite got to make their mark at that level.

We wish best of luck to both young men in their future endeavors.

Game Action:

Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Jacksonville 7, Nashville 0
Box Score / Game Log

Via the Sounds’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review the affiliate write-up as part of their Link Report routine: Sounds Shut Down by Jumbo Shrimp

For the second time in a week, LHP Aaron Ashby’s (2/3 IP, 4 R, 0 H, 4 BB, 0 Ks) rough rehab outing seemed to take the wind out of his team’s sails – last week it was mid-game with Biloxi and tonight it involved walking the first three batters of the game for Nashville.

RHP Caleb Boushley (6 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 4 Ks) performed admirably, but unfortunately was also a key part of the first inning debacle, giving up the grand slam on an eye-level 90mph fastball after inheriting three baserunners from Ashby. Boushley threw 97 pitches on the evening, 63 for strikes, in what is likely his last contest before once again reaching minor league free agency.

On the bright side, 19-year old right fielder Jackson Chourio had two singles and a stolen base. He is now hitting .417 in AAA with a shiny 1.000 OPS (small sample alert). One of his singles was off last year’s Cy Young Winner, rehabbing Sandy Alcantara. 

Of the men on the 40-man MLB roster, 2B Owen Miller (2 singles) and center fielder Garrett Mitchell (triple – Brewers’ playoff pinch running specialist?) were the only ones to distinguish themselves, as 1B Jesse Winker, DH/OF Joey Wiemer and 3B Abraham Toro went a combined 0-for-11 with a walk for Toro. 

27-year old INF Patrick Dorrian (.786 OPS this year) is determined to show me and the Brewers that he can effectively play shortstop. 

Nashville can’t make the playoffs, but winning the second half title in the 10-team International League West would likely mean something to the coaches and players. They presently lead St. Paul (3-game winning streak) by 0.5 games and Iowa (8-game winning streak) by 1.0 games with just three contests left on the season.

Friday’s outlook: Scheduled starter LHP Eric Lauer gets a final chance to prove to the Brewers that he can be a valuable addition to their postseason roster (e.g. a second lefty in the ‘pen?), as the Sounds look to grab a 3-1 series lead over Jacksonville.

We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Friday will see the Brewers at the Marlins (5:40pm CST) and Sounds playing Game 4 of their series at home at 6:35pm CST.

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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[Joseph Zarr]

Dorrian has never had any issues snagging liners - he's a very athletic and versatile player. Where he's really struggled at shortstop (in 2023, at least) is the errors with routine lateral plays and ball transfers (oddly). I take this as he may be rushing the moment deeper in the hole, so to speak? Regardless, because of how much I like him at 2B and 3B and because of how much better Monasterio has played defensively at the MLB level I kind of defer to the Brewers knowing more than I do here. A utility player has to practice their utility in all the places. Dorrian's OPS suffered during a recent slump. But, he's also been red hot in spurts as well. One of my favorite unheralded acquisitions of the past two years who I have zero doubts could excel if given an MLB opportunity.

[Joseph Zarr]

Quote

• C Jose Sibrian released by Low-A Carolina
• OF Arbert Cipion released by High-A Wisconsin

Sibrian’s been a loyal soldier for eight seasons in the Brewers’ organization, re-upping in 2023 even after hitting free agency. Releasing him likely enables him to commence this year’s free agency a bit earlier, so he can see what’s available in the market. I have to believe that the Brewers will keep the door wide open for Sibrian's return in 2024, where he could pair up with Matt Wood at Wisconsin.

 

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