Brewers Minor League Link Report (6/18): Garrett Mitchell is BACK; Mudcats are Playoff Bound

Joseph Zarr · June 19, 2024

The Mudcats completed their previously postponed game vs Columbia in the early-going and clinched the playoffs for the second consecutive season with an early victory. How sweet it is! The T-Rats keep winning despite already clinching their post-season appearance. The Shuckers overcame a rare inefficient and wild RHP Shane Smith outing and squeaked out a tight victory. The Sounds stared victory in the face multiple times and laughed (more below). It was a mixed 1-1 day in the DSL. And, the ACL Crew continued their sub 0.500 ball with a loss in the desert. Let's get into the report!

Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic

Transactions:

INF/OF Felix Valerio was activated from the 7-Day IL by the Biloxi Shuckers and assigned to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
INF/OF Dylan O'Rae was assigned to the Biloxi Shuckers from the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
INF Ben Metzinger was transferred to the Development List by the Biloxi Shuckers
RHP Dikember Sanchez was assigned to the Carolina Mudcats from the ACL Brewers
RHP Ismael Yanez was activated from the 7-Day IL by the ACL Brewers
INF/OF Casey Martin was activated by the Biloxi Shuckers
C Eric Haase's roster status was changed by the Nashville Sounds (Taxi Squad - w Brewers in Anaheim)
C Nick Kahle was activated by the Nashville Sounds
LHP Wande Torres was activated from the 7-Day IL by the DSL Brewers 1
OF Frandy Lafond was assigned to the DSL Brewers 1

Final: Durham (Rays) 6, Nashville 4

Via the Sounds' website, please be sure to click and read each of the affiliate write-ups as part of your season-long Link Report routine (believe me, it's worth it):

Sounds Falter in the Ninth Inning and Lose Series Opener Versus Durham - Mitchell Hits Two Long Balls in Defeat

Box Score / Game Log

After several tough luck losses in Gwinnett this past week, RHP Mitch White and manager Rick Sweet gave us their best to hand us another one in game 1 versus Durham. After overcoming two leads surrendered by RHP Mitch White in consecutive innings, the Brewers could not overcome the third lead lost when White was hung out to dry as his pitch count elevated past 50 - despite some truly bad luck contact throughout all of it, no mercy was given. There was no bullpen activity until the very end when RHP Harold Chirino came aboard and struck out the last batter of the Bulls' ninth frame - the bases left dripping. It was a very unserious approach from the decision-makers and, when it came to end results, it had very serious consequences. One is left wondering: how much longer can this 'Mitch White Experience' prevail? I have yet to find a meaningful answer. Was the bullpen in that dire of shape that they had to wait until all was lost? It was a confounding experience and I did what I very very rarely do during a Brewers Minor League game: I turned it off. Take that!😅

White's final line: 2.0 IP, 7 H, 3 BB, 3 WP, 3 K. He takes the loss. He gathers the BS. And, he sees his Nashville ERA blossom to 15.00. What a time.

RHP Garrett Stallings executed his second consecutive impactful outing - an injection of consistency the Sounds badly need. Stallings, by my eyes, doesn't exactly look the part of an MLB pitcher and he gives up quite a bit of contact in that 98-105 mph range, but he absolutely competes and has a tenacity that defies this same appearance. He'll be credited with no decision in the final matter but he certainly did enough to earn a 'W'. He left with the Sounds leading 2-1 with a final line of 5 1/3 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 ER. 53 of his 78 pitches were thrown for strikes.

Three Quick Strikes:

1) OF Garrett Mitchell certainly appeared ready for MLB action after two go-ahead blasts. One a two-run mammoth shot to right center field. The other a 110 mph dart that snuck inside the RF line and left in a hurry:

With young OF Jackson Chourio heating up, with the dependability of Sal Frelick, and with a break-out season for Blake Perkins (not to mention Christian Yelich) it certainly feels like Brewers manager Pat Murphy is about to have a very good 'problem' on his hands. How sweet it is!

2) CF Issac Collins you say? He made his 11th appearance for the Sounds tonight and, despite a snafu misplayed bobble on the go-ahead run, he fared quite well at a position that is not his natural fit. He had a key final out OF assist grabbing the lead-runner at 3B n the eighth frame after the Bulls had tied the game again. He also ripped his eighth long ball of his season on a 101 line drive dart that snuck over the RF wall. His season OPS now sits at 0.918 in 213 official AB's. What a revelation:

3) Things you don't see all that often in a Brewers Minor League baseball game: INF Tyler Black striking out three times and 1B/DH Wes Clarke stealing a base. Both happened in tonight's tilt. And, well, it all felt a little bit out of place.

Final: Biloxi 3, Rocket City (Angels) 1

Bullpen Dominates, Shuckers Take Series-Opener Against Rocket City - Yoho Earns First Double-A Win

Box Score / Game Log

Pre-Game Media Notes

RHP Shane Smith was uncharacteristically wild and, yet, he remained effective. He can thank his bullpen for picking up his slack. With only one down and the bases dripping, Smith was pulled for shutdown artist RHP Craig Yoho. He calmly came aboard and struck out consecutive batters. And, folks, let me tell you the swings did not look good at all. Yoho dominated the situation - the Brewers brass have to be growing more excited by the outing.

Back to Smith: 3 HB and 4 BB in only 4 1/3 IP is not what we've grown accustomed to. He simply wasn't sharp. And, yet, he worked around it as best he could as he only surrendered three hits and one earned run. It should also be noted he was very much working with a young 2B in his Double-A debut who made a couple questionable decisions. None the less, Smith will likely be the first to agree: it wasn't his 'A-Game' on the eve. But, baseball is a team game and the Shuckers did just enough to squeak out a victory.

Three Quick Strikes:

1) Speaking of the bullpen, it wasn't just Yoho who executed sublimely. With his pitch count approaching 30, it was clear Yoho ran out of gas. After walking consecutive batters, LHP Nate Peterson came aboard and calmly struck out his first batter stranded Yoho's baserunners. That's five inherited runners between the two with not a single runner coming across home plate. A special nod to RHP Blake Holub who continues to discover his footing back in Double-A in a high-leverage role. Holub hasn't conceded an earned run in eight appearances out of the Shuckers bullpen. He picked up his third Save in just as manny opportunities. Hitters are batting to a tune of 0.059 BAA in June through 5 IP.

2) Regardless of the defensive snafus - a talented but young player likely playing with a bit of adrenaline - INF/OF Dylan O'Rae can always remember he hit the very first pitch he saw in the Double-A Southern League into left field for an oppo single. He then stole second base and was in scoring position immediately. The Shuckers have badly lacked a true lead-off hitter. O'Rae will look to fill that role. It should also be noted: he struck out three times and they weren't exactly competitive AB's. 1-for-4, 1 SB, 1 BB, 3 K. He'll look to improve in the games ahead but a fantastic moment, regardless, for the 20-year-old.

3) In a frustrating first half at large, I am enjoying a Shuckers game one victory - it has felt all too long for me as the Tuesday report author. And, to that tune, let us all enjoy a 3B Brock Wilken oppo taco:

In what has been a largely frustrating and uneventful offensive season to date for Mr. Wilken, let's keep hoping he can move further and further away from the facial fracture and back to the electric bat and production we saw just last season and throughout spring training.

Final: Wisconsin 4, Fort Wayne (Padres) 1

Rattlers Win Series Opener in Fort Wayne - T-Rats Have Won Three Straight

Box Score / Game Log

Pre-Game Media Notes

LHP Mark Manfredi did LHP Mark Manfredi things. Cool as a cucumber, the dynamic lefty hurled 5 2/3 IP of 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 1 ER ball. As it is understood in the baseball unwritten rule book: we'll live with solo shots. It was the only run the Tin Caps would muster in game one. Manfredi moved to 4-1 on his season and his ERA now sits at 3.20 over 45 IP - 58 K-to-24 BB. The 2023 9th round pick out of Dayton has absolutely come on to the scene with a bang in 2024. He pitches with composure and savvy beyond his years.

Three Quick Strikes:

1) Matt Wood had a game at the dish. 2-for-4, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 K. His fourth long ball of his season. Just his third double. Wood has such a disciplined approach at the plate (23 K: 21 BB) but we'd be remiss if we didn't admit we'd love to see some more power. A game like this brings music to what is already a solid swing path. Take a look at the home run. He absolutely rocked this pitch:

2) With INF/OF Dylan O'Rae up at Double-A Biloxi, who took 2B? None other than INF Jadher Areinamo. The same defensive savant I've been discussing all season long and for much of last season. Well, Mr. Areinamo also flexed his long ball muscles on a mislocated slider. It was a vintage Areinamo 'tomahawk'. This long ball was not a fluke - I've seen Areinamo smash pitches in this location on several occasions (tho typically a heater):

Given the fantastic shift in K:BB ratio over the past two months (15:14, respectively), I think it's fair to start dreaming even bigger with this young man. I sense we are only scratching the surface of what he'll ultimately be capable of. Folks, remember: Areinamo is 20 years old until November 28th of this year.

3) RHP Will Childers is doing exactly what an organization wants in a player re-assigned. He is dominating High-A hitters in his short stint to date. Not a hit surrendered. Two Saves in just as many opportunities. 4 IP, 5 K, 2 BB, 0 R. He's given manager Victor Estevez a much needed ninth inning guy. He shut down the door in a scoreless, hitless, two punch out ninth frame. It will be very interesting to see where Childers' season goes from here.

Game 1 Final: Carolina 3 , Columbia (Royals) 2

Mudcats Beat Columbia, Clinch First Half Title - Magic Number Vanishes with First Half Playoff Berth

Box Score / Game Log ** Remember: These season stats are not current within this Box Score they **

I'm going to condense it all here folks as this game was picked up in the fifth inning from a previous postponement. We saw good RHP Jesus Rivero tonight. What a sight for sore eyes. Despite a lead-off HB in the sixth frame and a balk to follow, I swear to you: Rivero was in control throughout his multiple innings. 3 2/3 IP, 1 H, 2 K, 0 BB, 1 HB, 1 Balk, 0 R. We'll absolutely take that considering some of the meltdown innings we have witnessed in this first half. When he is locating and spinning with purpose, Rivero is absolutely a threat. He gave his team all they needed before some small ball work in the eighth frame plated two runs. Congratulations are absolutely in order to first-year full-season manager, Nick Stanley! He helped bring us an ACL Championship last summer. He took the baton from manager Victor Estevez. The Mudcats have now earned two consecutive playoff berths. Let that sink in.

Game 2 Final: Columbia (Royals) 3, Carolina 1 - (Scheduled 7-Inning Game)

Box Score / Game Log

I left this game two loss like I've left several of RHP Manuel Rodriguez's starts in this first-place first half: he deserved much better. His infield let him down in the first frame as the Fireflies plated two runs - several very weakly hit balls somehow got runners aboard. We'll chalk it up to a playoff-clinch hangover from the previous game just an hour before. Rodriguez managed to go the distance in this scheduled 7-inning tilt: 6 IP, 7 H, 0 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 3 ER. The Mudcats bats stranded RISP seven times. The difference in the game? The Fireflies took advantage twice in the same number of RISP scenarios. Tip of the cap to manager Nick Stanley for getting several players into the game for a full seven innings who had been seeing less and less playing time in pursuit of the playoffs.

Final: ACL Royals 7, ACL Brewers 1
Box Score / Game Log

In a battle of respective 4th place (divisional) opponents, the ACL Brewers fell - their record now sits at 14-19 on their season. Rehabbing Eduardo Garcia and Brian Navarreto continue their slow grind back to health - a combined 0-for-7, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 RBI. The highlight in the offensive columns? 2B Josh Adamczewski's 1-for-2, 2 BB evening. On the pitching side of things, we see a scoreless 2/3 IP with 1 K from 21-year-old Domincan RHP Dencer Geraldo. This is his second scoreless 2/3 IP in his last three outings - let's hope he can build momentum from these. Additionally, in what has been an erratic ACL season, we can acknowledge LHP Anthony Flores' 5 IP of 7 H, 1 BB, 6 K, 1 HB, 2 ER. It certainly hasn't always been pretty for Flores in 2024 but that sure looks like a solid if unspectacular outing by my eyes.

Final: DSL Cleveland Mendoza 7, DSL Brewers 5
Box Score / Game Log

Perhaps the most important aspect of this box score is who is absent from the stat columns: INF Luis Pena. After being pulled in yesterday's fifth inning for unknown reasons, we see Pena sat this one out. We'll simply have to track this in the days ahead and hope it's a minor nothing (or an improbable promotion!). SS Jesus Made continued in a lead-off role and put forth a 2-for-5 effort with 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 HR, and 1 SB. That was his second long ball of his season and he is now hitting 0.359 with a 1.149 OPS in 39 AB's. Both 3B Juan Martinez and CF Engel Paulino also grabbed two hits apiece including a three-bagger apiece. 2B Juan Ortuno managed to swipe three bases (seven total on his season) after taking two free passes in an 0-for-2, 2BB afternoon. Ultimately, 17-year-old Dominican RHP Ayendy Bravo couldn't keep the Mendoza off the board in the eighth frame after the Crew Uno had plated three in the bottom of the seventh frame to tie it 5-5. The DSL Brewers Uno fell to 8-4 overall and are second in the DSL Northwest Division 2.5 GB the 10-1 DSL Orioles Orange.

Final: DSL Brewers 2 11, DSL Red Sox Blue 4
Box Score / Game Log

It's extremely challenging to not maintain an absolutely thrilled outlook for young CF Jose Anderson. We've seen four long balls in his 35 official AB's. After today's three free passes we also see a 7:6 BB:K ratio. That's the sauce. The Crew Dos scored 11 runs and, yet, they were a mere 3-for-15 with RISP. That score could have been even more lopsided. There are several interesting performances, but looking at the latter half of the batting order I find the most meat: 1B Frederi Montero and DH Pedro Tovar each with multiple knocks and multiple RBI's. On the pitching side of things, nothing really pops off the page but we should honor the final two scoreless frames pitched by RHP Lenin Mendez and RHP Oliver Camilo, respectively. The DSL Crew Dos improved to 6-4 and are in 4th place in the DSL North division just 2.0 GB the first place DSL Pirates Gold.

That's an eight-game wrap for me. After tonight's eight game buffet, we are back to a palatable five-game set tomorrow. We'll be witnessing an all evening affair. No DSL squads as they will be getting much-deserved rest from competitive action. The major storyline I'll be paying close attention to is RHP Jacob Misiorowski's outing: can he bounce back in a meaningful way from his worst outing in some time? We'll have to tune in to find out.

As always, thanks for reading and thanks for supporting Milwaukee Brewers Minor League baseball and the many players deserving of our time and recognition.

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