Brewers Minor League Link Report (8/31): Affiliates Drop 3 of 4 Despite Solid Sunday Starts

[Ro Mueller]

Image courtesy of Biloxi Shuckers

For the week, Nashville (4-2) was the sole series winner, while Biloxi was swept (0-6). The Carolina Mudcats (1-5 week) played their last Zebulon home game as a Milwaukee Brewers’ affiliate, given the move to nearby Wilson next year. Thus also concludes the 2025 home slate for Wisconsin (1-5 week).

Transactions:

• Signed 2B/3B Luis Urias to a minor league contract

Game Action:

Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Nashville 7, Charlotte 0
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 End August with 7-0 Shutout Over Charlotte

Winter free agent-to-be RHP Garrett Stallings (6 IP, 0 R, 2 H – singles, 0 BB, 7 Ks) ended his otherwise difficult August on a dominant note, retiring 18 of 20 batters faced over 6 scoreless innings to lead Nashville to its series-clinching win. In fact, he retired 12 consecutive Knights before exiting at 78 pitches.

By contrast, the Sounds’ offense only needed 1 pitch to get on the board, with OF Daz Cameron re-taking the team lead in homers:

2-out RBI hits off the bats of OF Jared Oliva (2-for-4, 2 RBIs, 2 SBs to reach 47 this year) and DH Ernesto Martinez Jr. (2-for-4, double, RBI) essentially put the game away in the 1st inning, which was of course unbeknownst to the 7,996 home fans at the time.

To pitch a 9-inning shutout typically requires some solid defense, which Oliva, OF Tyler Black and 3B Raynel Delgado (2-for-4, RBI) were happy to provide:

Sounds’ Extras:

• MLB Readiness Watch: 1B Rhys Hoskins drew walks in the 1st and 2nd innings before lining out and flying out in the 5th and 7th frames.
• Kudos to the bullpen work of LHP Brian Fitzpatrick and RHPs Jesus Liranzo and Blake Holub, each registering one strikeout in one inning of scoreless relief.
• Charlotte’s starting pitcher Chase Plymell exited after just 6 batters and an injury delay, so we hope he’s healthy or recovers quickly.

Next week’s outlook: Nashville hits the road to battler Orioles’ affiliate Norfolk this week, with the series commencing on Tuesday.

Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Montgomery 12, Biloxi 5
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Pratt Finishes August with 3-Hit Performance, Shuckers Drop Finale to Biscuits

Starting RHP KC Hunt (4 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 2 WP, 3 Ks) was throwing on 4 days’ rest, then did well to recover from a 2-run, 4-hit first inning to grind through three more frames and exit with the game tied 2-2.

You’d think that 10 hits, a 5-for-16 effort with runners in scoring position and 4-for-4 day in stolen base attempts would produce more than 5 runs, but Biloxi stranded a runner in scoring position in 6 of the 9 innings.

However, SS Cooper Pratt’s 3-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 SB day lifted his season average to .250 (.717 OPS), which is quite respectable in the offense-challenged Southern League

LHP Raul Alcantara didn’t allow any hits, but still conceded 5 earned runs against 6 batters faced in the 5th inning, as he simply could not locate the zone (3 BB, 2 HBP). Thrust into action, LHP Jesus Broca unfortunately (understandably?) didn’t fare much better initially (double, single, 2 BB), as the first four Biscuits reached base in that 8-run frame.

Shuckers’ Extras:

• Broca did recover to retire 5 of the last 7 batters he faced, yielding to RHP Austin Roberts, who allowed 3 consecutive hits to push the deficit to 12-2 before settling in himself to retire the last 6 Montgomery batters in order.
• Eight of the nine Shuckers’ batters reached base via hit or walk in the game, including OF Bladimir Restituyo’s 2-for-4, 1 SB outing and OF Garrett Spain’s 1-for-3 day with a double and walk.

Next week’s outlook: Biloxi returns home to face Marlins’ affiliate Pensacola for six games, including a rare Monday start to the series with RHP Tyson Hardin (2.68 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 9.2 K/9 in 87 1/3 Low-A/AA IP) scheduled to go.

Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Quad Cities 4, Wisconsin 2
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Rattlers Fall in Home Finale

As they’ve done so admirably throughout the season, Wisconsin’s media team has put together video highlights of Sunday’s tight contest:

And don’t miss the last Mehring/Lobner post-game podcast of 2025, a 28-minute recap featuring RHP Manuel Rodriguez and Manager Victor Estevez

20-year old starting RHP Manuel Rodriguez continued his terrific campaign (6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 0 BB, 6 Ks; season ERA 3.03) and Wisconsin dominated in terms of opportunities (1-for-11 with RISP vs. 0-for-4 for the River Bandits), but the Timber Rattlers unfortunately weren’t able to conclude their 2025 home campaign with a victory for the 6,079 fans in attendance.

Chasing a playoff berth (now 1.5 games behind Beloit), the River Bandits managed to push across 3 runs on just 1 hit in the 7th inning, benefitting from 2 walks and an everybody’s safe fielder’s choice against RHP Aaron Rund.

Three consecutive walks to open the 8th inning lifted Wisconsin’s win probability to 51% despite trailing 4-2, but a quick pitching change resulted in a home force out and consecutive strike outs. Rehabbing 1B Luke Adams perhaps had dreams of a walk-off blast with 2-on, 2-out in the bottom of the 9th inning, but fell behind 0-and-2 before lining out to right field.

Each of OF Kay-Lan Nicasia (3-for-4, HR), 2B Jesus Made (1-for-2, 3 walks, SB), DH Josh Adamczewski (1-for-3, walk) and OF Daniel Guilarte (1-for-3, HBP) had decent offensive days, but the team stranded 10 baserunners.

Timber Rattlers’ Extras:

• 20-year old LHP Anthony Flores tossed 2 scoreless innings of relief (3 Ks), extending his terrific run of form: just 1 ER with 24 Ks in last 20 IP.
• We’ve got to tip our caps to the Quad Cities’ defense for turning two timely double plays to mitigate Wisconsin threats in the 5th and 7th innings, while also getting a caught stealing in that 5th inning and the key home force out with the bases loaded in the 8th inning.

Next week’s outlook: Wisconsin goes on the road for their final series of 2025, taking on Cubs’ affiliate South Bend from Tuesday, with RHP Tanner Gillis (2.44 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 6.8 K/9 in 84 2/3 High-A/Low-A IP) scheduled to start the opening game.

Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Delmarva 1, Carolina 0
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Drop Home Finale

The Carolina Mudcats’ Five County Stadium finale was a mix of gratitude, tears and squandered opportunities as the potential game-winning runs were left on base in the 9th inning for the second consecutive game, this time in front of 5,877 home fans in Zebulon.

The lack of clutch hitting left 18-year old RHP Carlos Carra as the unfortunate losing pitcher despite an impeccable full season affiliate debut: 6 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 0 BB, 1 WP, 5 Ks in 74 pitches.

Twelve Mudcats reached base (4 singles, 5 walks, 1 HBP, 2 via error), but the team stranded 11 baserunners in going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

DH Brady Ebel had the top offensive line (2-for-4, BB), singling to give the team a 2-on, 1-out opportunity in the 5th inning and 2-on, 2-out chance in the 7th inning.

OF Josiah Ragsdale reached base via 2 errors and a walk earlier in the game, while also recording two stolen bases and being picked off. Then his 1-on, 2-out single in the 9th inning extended the team’s life, but Ebel’s ground out ended the shutout.

Mudcats’ Extras:

• Well done to LHP Anfernny Reyes and RHPs Jose Nova and Michael Fowler for following up Carra’s terrific start with three scoreless frames and one strikeout each.
• The team’s 4 through 9 batters combined on an 0-for-24 outing, though SS Filippo Di Turi drew 2 walks and threw out a baserunner at home, while OF Handelfry Encarnacion recorded an outfield assist.

Next week’s outlook: Carolina will take a 3-hour drive north to battle Nationals’ affiliate Fredericksburg for their final series of the 2025 season, with the Mudcats needing to win the series 5 games to 2 (and hope that Fayetteville struggles elsewhere) to snatch a second half playoff berth.

We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. On Monday, the Milwaukee Brewers host the Phillies at 3:10pm CST and the Biloxi Shuckers also play at 6:35pm CST.

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[jay87shot]

How worried should we be about Luis Pena, this feels like more than a slump at this point? 

[Joseph Zarr]

1 hour ago, jay87shot said:

How worried should we be about Luis Pena, this feels like more than a slump at this point? 

It's obviously not an ideal August - on both sides of the ball. But, I would opine he is simply an 18-year-old who is likely pressing after a promotion. This is our first experience seeing him in any kind of slump. My only takeaway at present is his first taste of High-A was a cruel one. 

[biedergb]

1 hour ago, jay87shot said:

How worried should we be about Luis Pena, this feels like more than a slump at this point? 

Funny but about a month ago it was Made we were “worried “ about after his July slump.

i think Made ended those doubts for now. Peña playing in August and bumped up a level after an incredibly solid and consistent first full season in Carolina. I’ll give him a lot of latitude.

Its not often that 18 year olds play in high A - let alone two of them on the same team.

[Joseph Zarr]

Just really exciting to hear RHP Manuel Rodriguez go on record and say his upcoming off-season will feature a heavy dose of focusing on increasing his Velo. Really really hoping that pays dividends.

[biedergb]

2 minutes ago, Joseph Zarr said:

Just really exciting to hear RHP Manuel Rodriguez go on record and say his upcoming off-season will feature a heavy dose of focusing on increasing his Velo. Really really hoping that pays dividends.

I was just looking at Manuel’s stats. He has had an almost identical year statistically as last year, despite being 19 for most of the season and pitching in high A. That’s close to being an 18-19 year old hitter given the fact that pitching usually lags a year behind in average age.  His K rate is up this year even if the walks are up. IP/start down but that’s also a function of his mid year injury.  If his velocity can get to 90-91 average he is a legit pitching prospect, and if he gets above 92 mph he can become a top end talent in this system with his control, feel and understanding of how to pitch.

[Ro Mueller]

 

[Ro Mueller]

2 hours ago, jay87shot said:

How worried should we be about Luis Pena, this feels like more than a slump at this point? 

Maybe pressing too much?: 2-for-last-39, 1 BB, 7 Ks. 

All the more reason to have him commence 2026 in Appleton.

[sveumrules]

Checking the MiLB leaderboard at FanGraphs it looks like Manuel Rodriguez is one of only eight pitchers to have thrown at least 150 IP between their age 18-19 seasons these last two years.

If you do click the link you'll also notice the only player to have hit 150 IP these last two years between their age 17-18 seasons, Melvin Hernandez.

Back to Manuel Rodriguez, his 6.38 K/BB ratio is 3rd best on that entire 449 pitcher leaderboard (regardless of age) with his 3.5 BB% coming in at the 2nd lowest and his 0.99 WHIP 4th lowest.

Back to Melvin Hernandez, his 0.16 HR/9 is thee very lowest on that leaderboard and his 5.2 BB% is 12th lowest, though playing at the lowest levels is surely a factor in that HR9 especially, but either way pretty impressive stuff.

Some other high Brewers rankings on the board include Misio (.168 AVG | 1st), Logan Henderson (1.01 WHIP | 6th and 4.90 K/BB | 10th), and KC Hunt (2.88 xFIP | 6th).

If we lower the threshold to min. 100 IP that's enough for Yoho to sneak in at 0.00 HR9 (1st) | 0.98 ERA (1st) | 1.94 FIP (2nd) | 37.7 K% (2nd) | .152 AVG (3rd) | 0.97 WHIP (7th).

[cragi]

I was at the prior game he pitched vs Quad Cities and granted im not as tuned like you guys, but I was underwhelmed by his stuff. 20 years old. Fastball sat around 85-87 on the stadium gun most of the time i checked (3rd through 5th innings).  The opponents were squaring up everything and making HARD contact but mostly foul.  Yeah he got 6 Ks in less than 5 innings but that was a head scratcher to me. 

[Joseph Zarr]

5 hours ago, cragi said:

I was at the prior game he pitched vs Quad Cities and granted im not as tuned like you guys, but I was underwhelmed by his stuff. 20 years old. Fastball sat around 85-87 on the stadium gun most of the time i checked (3rd through 5th innings).  The opponents were squaring up everything and making HARD contact but mostly foul.  Yeah he got 6 Ks in less than 5 innings but that was a head scratcher to me. 

Yeah, the Quad Cities outing wasn't all that impressive - that's why you likely didn't come away feeling all that, well, impressed. Everything was up. Nowhere near the movement we had at Beloit. If you want to see the pinnacle expression of how his stuff currently plays, imho, do yourself a favor and go watch that previous road Beloit outing.