Brewers Minor League Link Report (4/20): Tracking Storylines Across All Four Levels

[Jim Goulart]

The Sounds are playing well of late, as the veterans trusted to steady things in Nashville are performing well. The Shuckers had been also, until quietly fading on Saturday night. There were split results in Appleton. Finally, your trusty Link Reporter here spent too much time this AM trying to determine why Jesus Made was the latest of a daily stream of Mudcats position players to exit mid-game. Here. We. Go.

Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic

Transactions:
- RHP Kaleb “Bo” Bowman reinstated from AA Biloxi’s 7-day injured list
- RHP Daniel Corniel placed on High-A Wisconsin’s 7-day injured list retroactive to April 17
- C Edgardo Ordonez placed on High-A Wisconsin’s 7-day injured list retroactive to April 17

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Final: Nashville 10, Charlotte (White Sox) 4
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:

Homer Happy Sounds Earn Series Win Over Knights - Nashville Hits Three Home Runs in 10-4 Win over Charlotte Saturday Night

All nine Sounds reached base (Wes Clarke, Andruw Monasterio and Adam Hall comprised the bench). Oliver Dunn was the lone starter not to get a base hit (now 0-for-7), though he did draw one walk.

Isaac Collins' MLB playing time has been very limited as of late, but there doesn't seem to be any pressing need to swap in Daz Cameron or Jared Oliva as the RH bench OF bat prior to Blake Perkins' eventual return. However, the Brewers brass is likely very comfortable knowing that both Cameron and Oliva are capably in reserve if needed, with neither tying up a 40-man roster spot.

Workmanlike efforts from LH starter Bruce Zimmerman, and RH relievers Jesús Liranzo and Evan McKendry. Only one walk and one HBP (both via McKendry) aids the cause.

Cleanup man Ernesto Martinez Jr. was 0-for-4 with a K but drove in a run on a sacrifice fly. That doesn't mean it was a totally uneventful day for the big man:

You'll find four video highlight clips on the team's "X" timeline Sunday morning.

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Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes 
Final: Birmingham (White Sox) 6, Biloxi 5
Box Score and Game Log

Lara Records Third Straight Multi-Hit Performance, Shuckers Fall to Barons - Spain becomes 1st Shucker to begin a road game with a home run since 2023

Three relievers (Stiven Cruz, Kaleb Bowman, Tyler Bryant) did their part with four innings of scoreless ball - Bryant's three K's in his frame were encouraging - but the offense was also pretty silent down the stretch as this game quickly determined the Shuckers' fate late.

It seems losing a contest like this (up 4-0 after the top of the 1st) is somehow just as exasperating as blowing a late lead. Every batter, save for Zavier Warren, reached base at least once with five on base at least twice. Not only did Luis Lara stay hot (thus the title of the game summary above), but one thing that will never sleep with Lara is the glove (and here, the arm):

Lara stole a base, his 3rd without being caught. He was 45-for-59 in attempts with Wisconsin in 2024.

Ethan Murray is only nine games into his season, but the soon-to-be 25-year-old 2021 5th rounder out of Duke is making early amends on what was a very forgettable 2024 season in Biloxi. Not only is the current .831 OPS shiny, but he's handled five games capably in left field (seven chances), the first games of his pro career on the grass. For this contest, he was at second base. Look for Murray's first long ball of the season, along with other Saturday night clips, here.

Meanwhile, Voice of the Shuckers Javik Blake is working to shake certain musical vibes from his head this AM.

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Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes (download link)
Final, Completion of Friday's Suspended Game: Lansing (Athletics) 4, Wisconsin 3, seven innings as scheduled
Box Score and Game Log

Lansing Holds on to Win Suspended Game from Friday Night - Insurance run in the top of the seventh is key

Watch as the weather magically improves by 100% mid-way through -

As we noted in yesterday's report: "Props to starting RHP Chandler Welch for fighting through the elements, regardless of the soured results in his final soaking frame."

Oh, things seemed so promising when the bottom of the order did their part to begin the final inning, with men on 1st and 2nd with the top of the order due up. The Tayden Hall K and Blake Burke GIDP were very deflating. There are certain clips with Burke it's just very evident that he is even a bigger human than we might think - is he heading toward Rowdy territory in a few years?

One note I've been meaning to mention since T-Rats Opening Day. He was denied a chance for a big knock after the game-ending sequence, but did you notice that Jadher Areinamo lost a syllable over the winter? HIs last name is now more of an "Ar-E-Namo" rather than the awkward "Ar-E-I-Namo" of 2024.

In the long run, probably a good inning-limit "relief" appearance for RHP Bishop Letson in Game One.

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Final, Regularly Scheduled Game: Wisconsin 2, Lansing 0, seven innings as scheduled
Box Score and Game Log

Hardin Plays Stopper in 2-0 Win - Rattlers snap five-game losing streak with shutout win

Wait, Tyson Hardin was awesome but wasn't prominently featured in the video summary?! Well, he was so impressive, he netted his own highlight reel:

The audio provided by the club is expanding this year, not that it was lacking previously. Be sure to take this in as the club now enjoys a rare two-day break:

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Final: Carolina 5, Delmarva (Orioles) 2
Box Score and Game Log

Offense Propels Mudcats to Victory 

What's this, no double-digit offense? C'mon, Muddies, stop slacking ?

Speaking of "C'mon", another Carolina position player exits mid-game, and it's Jesus Made? Oh, going to have to research the video archive again, the Mudcats are really making sure I've got the MiLB subscription. Made was hit by a pitch to lead off the bottom of the 5th. However, he remained in the game initially, including stealing a base that frame and subsequently scoring on a Luis Pena double. Made then played defense in the top of the 6th, catching a lineout to end the inning. Made then was replaced on defense to open the 7th.

For MiLB TV subscribers, archive link

The Made HBP and subsequent tour of the basepaths - the at-bat begins at the 02:06:00 hour/minute mark. Voice of the Mudcats Chris Edwards thought it got Made in the thigh, but it was pretty clearly his right foot/ankle (the switch-hitting Made was batting left-handed). Made very clearly was hurting, he sprawled face down and covered his face for an extended time. Yet he was pretty suddenly able to take his base.

Made's SB came on a 3-2 pitch to Braylon Payne and was a head-first success. No apparent after-effects of the HBP. Made makes his way to 3B on a deep-enough fly to CF by Eric Bitonti and easily strolled in on a glorious line-drive Pena double over the CF's head. Pena was thrown out at 3rd base trying to stretch his double into a triple, a two-out mistake. But that swing was beautiful. So, it's an eight-and-a-half-minute slice of game action I just described, well worth your time if able.

By the way, that little button that allows for viewers to skip forward exactly 15 seconds at a time, just a wonderful gift given the pitch clock in situations like this. Thank you for the little things in life, technology!

Moving forward to the 02:23:00 minute mark, Made did a mini bunny-hop (Happy Easter, by the way ?), that was likely unnecessary but showed no ill-effects coming of the field as he ended the inning with that catch.

Unless Chris Edwards learned later in the contest, it's possible that Made's exit was nothing more than a who knows, tummy ache. If I had to guess, his ankle may have swelled a bit. When he first went down on that HBP, it looked scary.

Did we mention Payne tripled and homered?

We agree, Spencer.

RHP Melvin Hernandez won't turn 19 years old until July, and the Nicaraguan native is looking like this year's version of 2024 Mudcat Manuel Rodriguez, now working his magic with the Timber Rattlers. Enjoy that box score line.

Brewers Player Development - on a roll!

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The Sounds and Mudcats have first-pitches within the state of North Carolina just after noon Central Time. The Shuckers kick off at 4:00 CT. My buddy Daniel ("Ro") gets the benefit of one less game to track given the Timber Rattlers day off. Should you be enjoying your Easter, Passover, or any other celebration today, 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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[James Zumstein]

Glad to see Luis Lara heating up.  After a "meh" offensive season at Wisconsin last year (the defense will always be there), I wasn't sure if he was ready for the move to Biloxi.  The frigid start did nothing to allay my fears, so I hope this hot streak is a sign of better days ahead.

[biedergb]

58 minutes ago, Jim Goulart said:

Made was hit by a pitch to lead off the bottom of the 5th. However, he remained in the game initially, including stealing a base that frame

Made went down in a heap when he got hit. It looked like a breaking ball and hit his leg/foot, and I think back leg. He was down 15-20 sec or so, then sitting up. After a delay he ran to first. And as noted stayed in the game to steal a base, score a run and play defense. I am hopeful this was a “it’s still sore” so “let’s take you out in abundance of caution”.
 

1 hour ago, Jim Goulart said:

By the way, that little button that allows for viewers to skip forward exactly 15 seconds at a time, just a wonderful gift given the pitch clock in situations like this. Thank you for the little things in life, technology!

Ha. Yes. And on my iPad it’s a 10 sec forward, which depending on the pitcher is even more perfect.  On line you can go back to the beginning of the game and watch on delay if you want, since forwarding through mound visits, commercials, and other down time you can catch up. So much of a great tool if you are focusing on certain players (I’ve been keying in our pitchers this April so far).

 

And great write up. Thanks again!

[duewizard]

Hardin is looking like one of the biggest breakout candidates this year. If he keeps it up I can totally see an inning or 2 of Nashville ball in September. One can dream

[wiguy94]

52 minutes ago, biedergb said:

Made went down in a heap when he got hit. It looked like a breaking ball and hit his leg/foot, and I think back leg. He was down 15-20 sec or so, then sitting up. After a delay he ran to first. And as noted stayed in the game to steal a base, score a run and play defense. I am hopeful this was a “it’s still sore” so “let’s take you out in abundance of caution”.
 

Ha. Yes. And on my iPad it’s a 10 sec forward, which depending on the pitcher is even more perfect.  On line you can go back to the beginning of the game and watch on delay if you want, since forwarding through mound visits, commercials, and other down time you can catch up. So much of a great tool if you are focusing on certain players (I’ve been keying in our pitchers this April so far).

 

And great write up. Thanks again!

10 seconds is definitely better than 15. I wish they would have 10 second fast forward for more than just mobile devices. With the 10 second skip you can basically use it between every single pitch. 15 seconds is just a bit too long unless there’s a runner on base, a foul ball, a pitch in the dirt, or a really slow pitcher who uses the entire pitch clock.

[Joseph Zarr]

As I said at the start of this season: RHP Tyson Hardin is a problem in 2025. Spencer with the intel here:

 

[Joseph Zarr]

3:03:45 is the start of RHP Garrett Hodges most recent work. I spoke to him after his last outing: extremely intriguing stuff despite his unimpressive debut performance. He came aboard today with a runner on third base and two down in the 8th protecting a 3-2 Muddies lead. He did not disappoint. Pitch 1: Blazes a 94 mph heater on the outer black for strike 1. Pitch 2: blazes a heater on the upper corner of the zone strike 2. Pitch 3: Blazes a high heater rising above the zone up and slightly in a swing and a miss. Three pitch K. THAT is a boost for the team. Alastre cleared the bases with his two out double to the LF wall in the bottom half. There was an early miscommunication with C Blayberg Diaz for strike 1 in the ninth (on what ultimately became a K looking at a slider dotted on the outer and upper black) where he was expecting a pitch down and in and he got a heater upper corner that blasted by his late-adjusting glove into his facemask. A bit of a scary moment and the two were seen discussing it after the game finished (on another slider K - this time swinging). Hodges appears to be taking blame for the miscue. We didn't see his change-up but maybe one pitch (?) and that was his most impressive pitch in his last outing by my eyes. He might even throw a two-seamer/sinker and a four-seamer in there? Either way, he's a raw arm but you can absolutely see the painters palate here should he keep grinding. He essentially ranges 94-96 mph right now. Might have two heater shapes (it certainly seems like he does) and has two primary off-speed offerings. 

[biedergb]

18 minutes ago, Joseph Zarr said:

RHP Garrett Hodges most recent work

First of all thanks for the scouting report.

And yes since his inauspicious debut, he has had 4 scoreless outings, with no hits, no walks and 6 K in those 4 innings. Yes very small sample size, but he had a rough first outing, and since then has done exactly what you want young pitcher starting his career to do - throw strikes, get outs. He is 21 (turns 22 in June), and was one of several UDFA last season.

[gregmag]

Happy to see Payne, Pena, and Josh A. all back in action. 
 

I’ve been rooting for Payne since day one — I love toolsy high school hitters — with a little extra passion because so many people dissed the pick. I know it’s still early, but he’s sure looking like an easy top 100 guy. The fact that it’s still early actually says something in his favor, because most kids that age need some time to adjust to full-season ball. He hasn’t set a foot wrong from day one.

 

I love MLB pipeline. They do great work that takes a lot of effort, and I read it avidly. But sometimes their rankings seem obviously irrational. At this point, there is no way EMJ is the number 30 prospect in the system. Also, how is he an overall 40 grade prospect with component grades over 50 on everything except speed?

 

I’m going to be a reverse curmudgeon here. I think the 20 to 80 scouting scale is stupid. It’s a facially stupid way to design a numerical scale, and it’s a functionally stupid way to try to convey meaningful information. I think once analytics became prominent, old-school scouts wanted revenge, and the analytics gurus meekly started talking the language of 20 to 80 as if it was useful. I greatly value the insights of scouting, and I think scouting and analytics together provide amazing information. But the 20 to 80 scale strikes me as an aging emperor with no clothes.

 

 

[Joseph Zarr]

44 minutes ago, gregmag said:

 

I love MLB pipeline. They do great work that takes a lot of effort, and I read it avidly. But sometimes their rankings seem obviously irrational. At this point, there is no way EMJ is the number 30 prospect in the system. Also, how is he an overall 40 grade prospect with component grades over 50 on everything except speed?

 

I’m going to be a reverse curmudgeon here. I think the 20 to 80 scouting scale is stupid. It’s a facially stupid way to design a numerical scale, and it’s a functionally stupid way to try to convey meaningful information. I think once analytics became prominent, old-school scouts wanted revenge, and the analytics gurus meekly started talking the language of 20 to 80 as if it was useful. I greatly value the insights of scouting, and I think scouting and analytics together provide amazing information. But the 20 to 80 scale strikes me as an aging emperor with no clothes.

 

 

You will see absolutely no complaints from me here with this take.

I believe I have been outspoken in how I find the lists and the rating numbers quite silly and outdated. They miss on players all  the time and limit the vast scope of differing player growth tendencies and trajectories and what constitutes an entire system. Oftentimes, they regurgitate earlier scouting reports demonstrating they haven't kept abreast with players' improvements or regressions. They create pre-conceived perceptions of players that support uninformed public sentiments (good grief the social media takes and negative remarks on call-ups, as a small example, or trade returns make me nauseous). And, the thing that perhaps annoys me  the most is nearly every pundit; beat writer; or talking ahead introduces a player to the public with their ranking first and foremost. "C Gary Dillerson was called up yesterday to replace the injured C Dan Baltzheimer. He's ranked 23rd on MlB Pipeline so, you know, he's Ok.". It's disingenuous. It would be like me introducing you to a friend of mine for the first time with a social credit score without allowing you to introduce yourself or without me telling my friend what it is about you exactly I know or enjoy. "This is Greg. He has a 30-grade in conversationalism. He's not even in my Top 30 of people worth talking to. Essentially irrelevant and I would swap him out for anyone in the office if I had the clout." It's really all quite absurd and I remain amazed it is standard practice.

 

[biedergb]

1 hour ago, Joseph Zarr said:

This is Greg. He has a 30-grade in conversationalism. He's not even in my Top 30 of people worth talking to. Essentially irrelevant and I would swap him out for anyone in the office if I had the clout.

I mean to be honest this describes me perfectly -- although I am working all season long to get that up to at least a 40-grade.

[gregmag]

1 hour ago, Joseph Zarr said:

"This is Greg. He has a 30-grade in conversationalism. He's not even in my Top 30 of people worth talking to. Essentially irrelevant and I would swap him out for anyone in the office if I had the clout." It's really all quite absurd and I remain amazed it is standard practice.

 

This cracked me up because – notwithstanding your larger point, which is very sound – it would be completely valid on its own terms.

[biedergb]

4 hours ago, gregmag said:

This cracked me up because – notwithstanding your larger point, which is very sound – it would be completely valid on its own terms.

Ok this is even funnier to me. When I read @Joseph Zarr’s comment, and I was wondering why of all the first names to use he randomly chooses “Greg”, and I see your reply and it finally clicks (my first name is Greg as well).  Well I assume @gregmag’s first name is Greg 😳

Apparently my situational awareness is still a 20-grade. But I’m working on my emoji skills and have them up to like a 50-grade now 😂

[Joseph Zarr]

9 minutes ago, biedergb said:

Ok this is even funnier to me. When I read @Joseph Zarr’s comment, and I was wondering why of all the first names to use he randomly chooses “Greg”, and I see your reply and it finally clicks (my first name is Greg as well).  Well I assume @gregmag’s first name is Greg 😳

Apparently my situational awareness is still a 20-grade. But I’m working on my emoji skills and have them up to like a 50-grade now 😂