Brewers Minor League Link Report (4/13): Pratt, Hardin and Payne Lead Affiliates to 3-Win Sunday

[Ro Mueller]

Cooper Pratt sparked a comeback, Tyson Hardin notched a shutout start and Braylon Payne delivered key hits in victories for three affiliates. In Nashville, Tobias Myers had a respectable second rehab start.

Image courtesy of Biloxi Shuckers

For the week, Carolina (5-1) and Nashville (4-2) were series winners, Wisconsin (3-3) managed a road split and Biloxi (2-4) came up on the short end at home.

Transactions:

• RHP Coleman Crow assigned to AA Biloxi from ACL Brewers. Some may recall that Crow was originally acquired from the Mets in December 2023, but has not pitched in an official game since April 2023

Game Action:

Final: Memphis 5, Nashville 1
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Sounds’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Sounds Drop Series Finale to Memphis

The Sounds had already captured the home series victory with Saturday’s win, so I’ll mainly focus on positives despite Sunday’s defeat.

Starting RHP Tobias Myers (5 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 K) tossed 60 pitches (42 strikes) in his second rehab start. 

 

A 2-run homer in the 3rd inning was the first hard hit ball off of him before more significant contact in the 5th frame. His velocity peaked at 94.6mph on his 57th pitch, exiting down 3-1.

DH Caleb Durbin and 1B Ernesto Martinez Jr. led the day’s limited offense, each singling and walking.

Dominant RHP Craig Yoho handled the 9th inning, conceding a 2-out hard-hit triple on a cutter before throwing 5 change ups and a sweeper to strike out his final batter (season ERA 0.00 through 7 1/3 IP).

Sounds’ Extras:

• Two 7th inning runs (1 earned) conceded by LHP Bruce Zimmermann and the defense pushed the deficit to 5-1, essentially sealing the result.
• OF Daz Cameron also provided more signs that he’s a keeper, singling and throwing out a player trying to stretch a single.

Next week’s outlook: Nashville heads 6 hours east to take on White Sox affiliate Charlotte for a six-game series starting Tuesday. Although the Game 1 starter has not yet been named, RHP Logan Henderson is the most likely candidate.

Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Biloxi 9, Columbus 8
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Homer Happy Shuckers Win Wild Series Finale Against Clingstones

A roller-coaster Sunday contest in front of 1,604 home fans saw the Shuckers come back from two early deficits, concede 15 hits and ultimately close it out for just their 2nd victory of the 2025 season.

Starting 26-year old RHP Abdiel Mendoza was not able to dance around trouble as effectively as his debut performance last week, conceding 5 earned runs on 9 hits through 2 1/3 innings before inducing a first-pitch ground ball double play to escape that frame down only 5-2.

Four pitches later, OF Luis Lara (1-for-5, double) and SS Cooper Pratt (2-for-5, HR, 2 RBIs) had already cut the deficit to 5-4 on a double and 2-run homer. These efforts were part of 6 consecutive Biloxi hitters reaching base, before Columbus’ starting pitcher mercifully exited after a 1B Zavier Warren (1-for-3, sac fly, 3 RBIs) 2-run single gave the Shuckers a 6-5 advantage. 

 

24-year old, 6’7” LHP Brian Fitzpatrick made a successful AA debut with 4 strikeouts over 3 innings of shutout work, before passing the torch to the high-wire duo of RHPs Stiven Cruz and Justin Yeager (combined 3 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 1 WP, 3 Ks).

Thankfully 2B Eric Brown Jr.’s defensive and offensive contributions had helped Biloxi grow its lead to 9-5, so they could ultimately hold on to the 9-8 victory.

Shuckers’ Extras:

• Credit Biloxi for going 4-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Meanwhile, Columbus’ 7-for-19 day in that category tells you how much pressure the Shuckers’ staff was under all game.
• Turning 3 double plays and going 3-for-3 in stolen base attempts contributed to Biloxi’s win.
• 7 of 9 Shuckers collected at least one hit, with DH Brock Wilken also walking twice. OF/INF Ethan Murray came through with a 2-for-3, 2 RBI day, including a sacrifice fly.

Next week’s outlook: Biloxi will travel 4.5 hours north to battle White Sox affiliate Birmingham for 6 games, with RHP Alexander Cornielle the most likely starter for Tuesday’s opener.

Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Wisconsin 5, Quad Cities 1
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Rattlers Bust Out Late to Beat Bandits

As you’ve read in the detailed game report, 23-year old RHP Tyson Hardin delivered his 2nd terrific start of 2025, keeping his season ERA at 0.00 with 4 shutout innings and 5 strikeouts.

 

Each spot in the batting order collected exactly 1 hit, including C David Garcia singling and scoring on a 2-out 2B Juan Baez single in the 6th inning (1-0 lead) and DH Tayden Hall singling and scoring on a 3B Jadher Areinamo 2-run double (3-1 advantage) in the 8th inning.

Read the link again for details on the stellar bullpen work and down-to-the-wire nature of nearly every contest in this week’s 6-game road series. Of particular note, RHP Yerlin Rodriguez struck out 3 River Bandits swinging while only conceding an infield single. The 23-year old flame-throwing Rodriguez now has 10 Ks, 0 walks and 0 HBPs through 5 innings of 2025 work (1.80 ERA, 0.60 WHIP).

Timber Rattlers’ Extras:

• Hall reached base 3 times (1-for-3, 2 walks) as he makes the most of the opportunity in the leadoff role.
• The team went just 1-for-4 on steal attempts, with 6’3”, 236-pound 1B Blake Burke the sole to succeed.

Next week’s outlook: The Timber Rattlers get to return home to square off against Athletics’ affiliate Lansing, with RHP Ryan Birchard scheduled to start the opening game of the series on Tuesday.

Final: Carolina 8, Myrtle Beach 6
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Late Rally Propels Mudcats Past Myrtle Beach

A see-saw game in front of 4,729 road fans saw the Mudcats come out on top, limiting Myrtle Beach to 4 hits behind the tag-team duo of 19-year old starting RHP Bryan Rivera (3 1/3 IP, 2 R (0 ER), 1 H, 3 BB, 1 HBP, 4 Ks) and 18-year old RHP Melvin Hernandez (3 2/3 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 2 HBP, 3 Ks).

OF Braylon Payne put together the most complete offensive line (2-for-5, triple, 2 RBIs, SB), with game-tying RBI hits in the 4th and 6th innings:

Every Mudcat reached base via hit or walk in the contest, though we’re awaiting word on the early exit of DH/C Dinges, who doubled in the 1st inning and was replaced by Filippo Di Turi in the 3rd inning. Di Turi’s 2-out 7th inning single tied the game at 5-5 and he had an RBI walk to add an insurance run in the 9th inning.

Any time SS Luis Pena (2-for-5, 3 SBs, 2 runs) reaches base, he’s a menace for the other team:

• 6th inning single, steals 2nd, scores on Payne’s single for a 4-4 game
• 8th inning infield single, steals 2nd and 3rd, scores on OF Demetrio Nadal’s groundout for a 6-5 advantage

Mudcats’ Extras:

• Congrats to 21-year old LHP Anfernny Reyes on his 4-out save, his first save of 2025. He stranded a baserunner for Hernandez in the 8th, then promptly loaded the bases on 2 walks and an HBP to start the 9th inning. A Made-to-Eric Bitonti ground ball eliminated two baserunners as well as Pelicans Manager Yovanny Cuevas (ejected) before a first-pitch pop out ended the contest.
• Issuing 8 walks, 4 hit-by-pitches and 4 errors (as Carolina did in this contest) won’t win many games, so Manager Nick Stanley will certainly have the young squad work to clean things up. 17-year old Jesus Made (1-for-5, double) committed 2 of the 4 errors in his first 2025 action at 3rd base.

Next week’s outlook: The Mudcats are also returning home, in their case to face Orioles’ affiliate Delmarva commencing on Tuesday. RHP John Holobetz or LHP Wande Torres are the best bets to start the first game of the series.

We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. As usual, there will be no Minor League games on Monday, but the Brewers host the Tigers at 6:40 CST.

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[Joseph Zarr]

I am grateful there is a camera view from CF in Biloxi to start the season - we all know last year's technical issues dragged on and made the games unwatchable for the most part. BUT, man, of they don't fix that lens tilt for the next Home series...how does that even happen to start a season anyway? Do they not check their video feeds and equipment to prepare for the season? I remain incredulous.😅

[Jim Goulart]

 

[Joseph Zarr]

Could it reallllly be true? The jump I've been waiting for and pining for with the uber-talented RHP Yetlin Rodriguez just may be happening before our very eyes. I said it last year and I'll say it again: When he is right, he is every bit the part of a high-leverage MLB reliever. His raw stuff is really  too good for High-A and it absolutely brings me joy to see the type of off-season work he put in to harness his penchant for 'wild'. This could be a massive development. He has every bit the raw arsenal of a Uribe or Yoho if he is dialed in. Huge early storyline. If he can keep this consistency up over the next month he is a shoe-in for that Double-A promotion.

If there is a weakness in the early going for the red hot Mudcats, it's likely the unfortunate damage to the top shelf of their pitching staff. It is really hard to replace the innings of Galindez, Knoth, and Woodward! As result, as the coaching staff builds up innings and discovers best roles, they are having to experiment with a variety of looks and roles. The offense remains a juggernaut. The pitching staff remains a work in progress. It will be pivotal they continue to get the Ace output of Holobetz. Here's hoping Hostetler, Meccage, Johnson and Torres can follow suit. We've seen very good things from Garcia, Langhorne and Gillis as well in the early going.

[wiguy94]

12 minutes ago, Joseph Zarr said:

I am grateful there is a camera view from CF in Biloxi to start the season - we all know last year's technical issues dragged on and made the fames unwatchable for the most part. BUT, man, of they don't fix that lens tilt for the next Home series...how does that even happen to start a season anyway? Do they not check their video feeds and equipment to prepare for the season? I remain incredulous.😅

Honestly the tilt doesn’t even bother me. Biloxi’s present CF camera angle is better than most minor league CF camera angles because it’s actually very in line with the mound.

Bigger issue for me is the CF camera isn’t synced with the behind home plate camera. The behind home plate camera is a bit ahead of the CF one, so when a player hits the ball you’re transported like a second into the future when the camera angle switches.

[Joseph Zarr]

18 minutes ago, wiguy94 said:

Honestly the tilt doesn’t even bother me. Biloxi’s present CF camera angle is better than most minor league CF camera angles because it’s actually very in line with the mound.

Bigger issue for me is the CF camera isn’t synced with the behind home plate camera. The behind home plate camera is a bit ahead of the CF one, so when a player hits the ball you’re transported like a second into the future when the camera angle switches.

I feel this so hard. It is so real. AND the jump cuts are super rapid fire and it disrupts the entire thing. Like EBJ's homer yesterday...heck of a swing and absolutely crushed and yet the entire video production ordeal and non-synched cameras somehow managed to make the home run less exciting!

[MudcatsfaninBrunsCO]

Mudcats are on a roll! 7-1 and a top of the North Division of the Carolina League. Fredericksburg is 3 games back for first..... that's just GREAT! Mudcats have the early 11am ET, 10am CT first pitch tmrw from Five County in Zebulon

[biedergb]

That camera is funny - is anyone else just so used to now tilting your head to the left when you watch Biloxi games lol

And yeah that audio is trip. I hear the "hears the pitch and the ball is..." while the pitch is being delivered. So you wait to see what is happening while the description happens - it's the virtual reality of having gameday on while watching the games (gameday is usually 1-2 pitches ahead of the live game feeds).

[Joseph Zarr]

6 minutes ago, biedergb said:

That camera is funny - is anyone else just so used to now tilting your head to the left when you watch Biloxi games lol

And yeah that audio is trip. I hear the "hears the pitch and the ball is..." while the pitch is being delivered. So you wait to see what is happening while the description happens - it's the virtual reality of having gameday on while watching the games (gameday is usually 1-2 pitches ahead of the live game feeds).

It's just ironical on so many levels. Your team is very much a 2-7 performing team and we have the video package to match.  I almost wish we were back to solely the Press Box camera. Javik remains the professional and optimist he is through it all. To be young!😅

[Joseph Zarr]

It took them awhile but Baseball America is finally starting to notice what we've been discussing for over a season plus:

Give this young man his flowers baby!

[wiguy94]

35 minutes ago, Joseph Zarr said:

I feel this so hard. It is so real. AND the jump cuts are super rapid fire and it disrupts the entire thing. Like EBJ's homer yesterday...heck of a swing and absolutely crushed and yet the entire video production ordeal and non-synched cameras somehow managed to make the home run less exciting!

Well I don't know about crushed haha. EBJ's HR only had an 88 EV. The wind must have been blowing out pretty hard to LF yesterday considering Pratt's 103 EV HR went 409ft and EBJ's 88 EV ball went over the fence.

[biedergb]

29 minutes ago, Joseph Zarr said:

Javik remains the professional

He is the star of that operation for sure.

I'm hoping a bunch of our players become stars this summer, but Javik right now is the reason to watch Shuckers at the moment.

[Joseph Zarr]

51 minutes ago, wiguy94 said:

Well I don't know about crushed haha. EBJ's HR only had an 88 EV. The wind must have been blowing out pretty hard to LF yesterday considering Pratt's 103 EV HR went 409ft and EBJ's 88 EV ball went over the fence.

See, the camera cut illusion strikes again!

(88?! My gods was that a 20 mph gust to LF?! The camera legitimately cut before he hit it. I plead unwilling ignorance)

[Jim Goulart]

 

[jay87shot]

It's great to see Coleman Crow back. That Hardin heater looks really good, dire I saw Wichrowski-esce. 

[biedergb]

2 hours ago, jay87shot said:

That Hardin heater looks really good, dire I saw Wichrowski-esce

It does look and plays well up. Not sure his velocity but the announcer stated 94 mph twice. So not sure if that’s max, so not quite 96+ that Wichrowski has thrown.  Hardin’s offspeed stuff looks like it needs time to be effective. But the high heat was his bread and butter.

[Spencer Michaelis]

11 hours ago, biedergb said:

It does look and plays well up. Not sure his velocity but the announcer stated 94 mph twice. So not sure if that’s max, so not quite 96+ that Wichrowski has thrown.  Hardin’s offspeed stuff looks like it needs time to be effective. But the high heat was his bread and butter.

Per someone in attendance, Hardin was touching 96 on the stadium gun, sitting 94-95.

In college he did get into the upper 90’s at times but that was in shorter stints, as he was a reliever at Mississippi State.

[biedergb]

3 hours ago, Spencer Michaelis said:

Per someone in attendance, Hardin was touching 96 on the stadium gun, sitting 94-95.

That's great to hear. It looked lively but I only heard it stated during the broadcast twice as 94. He seemed to command it well (located it in upper zone reliably), but the other offerings looked like they need more refinement but again this is from someone who can't recognize pitches well and really has no understanding the movement/shape data, but I am so glad a lot of you do.

[nate82]

Pratt is looking like a real superstar type of a player.  If he puts on more muscle we may have our future 3B.  Kind of reminds me of a young Arenado.  The results are not at Arenado level yet but I think they will be soon.

[Spencer Michaelis]

21 hours ago, biedergb said:

That's great to hear. It looked lively but I only heard it stated during the broadcast twice as 94. He seemed to command it well (located it in upper zone reliably), but the other offerings looked like they need more refinement but again this is from someone who can't recognize pitches well and really has no understanding the movement/shape data, but I am so glad a lot of you do.

I think the slider is pretty solid, the problem is that it doesn’t really tunnel well with the fastball that usually will play best at the top of the zone. He threw a couple curves in spring. I'd love to see him use that a bit more often.