Brewers Minor League Link Report (9/2): Mudcats Gain Crucial Game at Fredericksburg with Game One Victory; Affiliates Start Week 4-0

[Joseph Zarr]

Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic

Transactions:

• (8/1) C Jorge Alfaro exercised his Release Clause with the Nashville Sounds. He is now a free agent.
• (8/1) RHP Craig Yoho was recalled by the Milwaukee Brewers from the Nashville Sounds
• (8/1) INF Oliver Dunn cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Nashville Sounds
• RHP Jack Polancic was released by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (he had not pitched in 2025 - he began the season on the 60-Day IL and was moved to the full season IL)
• INF Juan Ortuño was assigned to the Carolina Mudcats from the ACL Brewers
• LHP Robert Gasser returned to the Milwaukee Brewers from his rehab assignment and was promptly optioned to Nashville
• OF Brandon Lockridge was optioned to the Nashville Sounds from the Milwaukee Brewers
• INF Luis Urias officially signed a Minor League contract with the Milwaukee Brewers and was assigned to the Nashville Sounds
• OF Jimmy Herron was placed on the Development List by the Nashville Sounds

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Final: Nashville 4, Norfolk (Orioles) 3

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 Take Down Tides in Extras for Fifth Straight Win - Raynel Delgado Hits Third Consecutive Multi-Hit Game

Box Score/Game Log

Game Notes

The Sounds are officially back to 0.500 at 29-29 overall in their second half with tonight's game one extra-innings win over the Norfolk Tides. It has truly been a long climb back. It's a testament to the team. With 17 games remaining, the Sounds are mathematically alive at 11.0 GB of International League second half leading Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Why, yes I am. Just, you know, nine teams in their way. Absolutely and entirely (im)probable and (un)realistic. 

LHP Tucker Davidson finally arrived stateside. He threw the jet lag and cobwebs from his cross-ocean voyage into the Tennessee River; he threw out his inaugural two starts; and, he got to work. 5.0 IP of 6 H, 1 BB, 8 K, 2 ER work is going to get it done on many a night. He lowered his ERA 7 + points. Ah, yes, bless the small samples! 89 pitches were thrown from the former MLB lefty. 54 landed for strikes. Statcast is showing a 'throw the kitchen sink' six-pitch mix while, really, mostly relying on the four-seamer, slider, and splitter as the leading partners. 91.5 mph was the max velo. He induced 11 swings and misses amongst the 40 total swings at his offerings.

Three Quick Strikes:

1) 3B Raynel Delgado carried his torrid August finish right into September's early going. The man is on fire. 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, and 1 SB (his 39th overall) while also manning the hot corner once again. He has now hit safely in 18 of his last 25 games. This includes hitting safely in 10 of his last 11 contests. He entered August hitting 0.264 with a 0.673 OPS. After tonight, he is hitting 0.287 with a 0.748 OPS. Heater. Given I've seen the Brewers take off-season stabs at OF Chris Roller and INF Vinny Capra in the past couple seasons, I do not think it is out of the realm of possibilities Delgado is rostered once this season is finished. Do I think it's likely? No. But, it certainly is possible given what he is showing upon season's close and given his age (25), lefty bat, ability to handle 3B with ease, and general savvy and intelligent way about him on the baseball diamond. This is one of the more surprising late season developments across the entire system by my eyes.

2) With RHP Craig Yoho called up to the big club Brewers, it was RHP Blake Holub who got the extra innings Save. 1.0 IP, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 R (Unearned). Holub, in many respects, has a bit of RHP Ryan Birchard to his game. He has a violent delivery and he has plus offerings...when he can find the plate. After absolutely dominating the Southern League in 2024, Holub has shown real flashes in 2025. He is far from a finished product for a pitcher soon to be 27 years old (October), but he certainly has the raw goods an organization can dream on. It's hard to carve an MLB role with a 1.68 Triple-A WHIP. That 48 K's in 34 IP just keeps you quite intrigued. This was Holub's third Save in five Save Opportunities with Nashville in 2025.

3) 2B Ethan Murray's 10th inning first pitch shallow right CF Sac Fly gave the Sounds a one-run 10th inning lead. Speedy RF Jared Oliva had stolen 3B as Manfred's Man to start the frame. SS Freddy Zamora then worked a 1-2 count into a walk the AB prior Murray's Sac Fly. Oliva scored because he's a cheetah and Zamora advanced to 2B on the close play at the plate. It was a pivotal moment. Zamora promptly left for 3B early with the pitcher turning to back pick him at second base. The throw sailed into the left center field grass off the covering shortstop's glove. It was suddenly 4-2. Speed and pressure. The Brewers way.

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Final: Biloxi 6, Pensacola (Marlins) 3

Spain Fuels Win with 16th Home Run, Shuckers Snap Six-Game Skid - Mendoza Records first Save as a Member of Brewers Org

Game Notes

Box Score/Game Log

It's certainly nice to bounce back from a road series sweep at ol' nemesis Montgomery with a game one win back at Home. RHP Tyson Hardin pitched into the third inning as he slowly eases his way back into pitching condition: 2 1/3 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 1 ER, 2 K. It's a far cry from his early season dominance, sure, but at this stage of the game we're all just grateful he's healthy and managing to throw competitive innings in September. It looks as though, in his first full professional season, if Hardin stays healthy and closes out his season with some post-season innings he'll finish right around the 100 IP or so mark at his current pace. Let's hope we get to see that!

Three Quick Strikes:

1) As I watched RHP Abdiel Mendoza seal the victory with his first Save as a member of the Brewers organization, I couldn't help but reflect back on his full circle journey in 2025. If you recall, Mendoza burst onto the scene with a debut wild 'n wooly 3 2/3 IP of scoreless 3 H, 4 BB, 7 K work. That starting experiment lasted all of six consecutive games. Here we are in early September and he's covering pivotal late innings picking up his first Save. 2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 SV. Really, if you've watched the Shuckers this season for any length of time, Mendoza's switch turned on in late May. He really has had a tremendous season from that point. I'd say it's a real win for the Brewers and Mendoza he's pitching in this manner as they head to a post-season home advantage series. It doesn't hurt he clearly can field the ball a little bit too:

2) The more I've watched RF Garrett Spain play, the more I see why the Brewers targeted him in the Minor League Rule 5 draft. Despite his clear propensity for the swing and miss (27.81 K% or 136 K in 489 PA's in 2025 - a little over 3:1 K:BB ratio), and despite his XBH all or nothing outcomes at the dish, when he does hit the ball, he hits it hard; long; and does damage. He's gotten mildly better late in the season at identifying pitchers targeting him off-speed low and in. This hasn't meant lower K numbers, unfortunately, but it has meant more pull shots over the right field wall.

This is a patented 2025 Spain homer. Given he plays plus defense in right field with an absolute (not quite) Sparksesque cannon from the outfield grass, he adds real value despite his limitations. His 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 1 HR work in the eight-spot was beautiful on the eyes. 

3) As I watched this current version of the 2025 Shuckers roster, I couldn't help but wonder what is going to happen come playoff time. With INF Eric Brown Jr. apparently an injury afterthought in 2025 <sighs>, it certainly seems like some post-season call-ups could come via Wisconsin. Obviously, INF Luke Adams has tenure and performance on his side. He is 'rehabbing' in Wisconsin but, really, he could be rehabbing in Biloxi. It's an interesting situation. Will Made, Adams, and Fischer get opportunities on the post-season Biloxi roster? One would have to think this could be the trio headed South. 

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Final: Wisconsin 6, South Bend (Cubs) 3

Rattlers Rally Late to Beat Cubs - Fischer's Two-Out Two-Run Double Jumpstarts Late Victory Push

Game Notes

Box Score/Game Log

RHP Tanner Gillis continues to give meaningful innings as a Timber Rattler in what has been a very solid season overall for the former MLB Draft League free agent signee. Gillis threw 69 pitches with 44 landing for strikes in his 5.0 IP of 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 ER work. One would have to imagine his pitch count was kept below seventy given his recent throwing hand blister issues from his abbreviated last start. Though he didn't factor in the decision, it's quite clear Gillis laid the path for his team's victory. I've mentioned it before, but when Gillis is dialed in he really has fantastic movement on his pitches. I do wonder, even though he is many years the elder, if he won't join Manuel Rodriguez in aiming for a couple velo ticks up in the upcoming off-season.

Three Quick Strikes:

1) It's quite something seeing the truly talented and dynamic hitters in INF/LF Josh Adamczewski and INF Luis Peña face their first real adversity as young professionals. Adamczewski, of the two, looks to be more a case of some bad batted ball luck (though, if we're being honest, he also isn't hitting the ball quite as hard and as consistently as he has in lower levels). Peña, on the other hand, is in a real baseball slump and funk. Tonight's 0-for-5, 4 K effort really drove that home. Personally, I see this as more a symptom of a very young player pushing and pressing. I expect big things from both young men regardless of their current High-A standing. For Josh, in particular, I've stated on a couple occasions I think he's a serious candidate for the AFL given his time missed due to various maladies in each of his first two professional seasons.

2) The more I see of 3B Andrew Fischer, the more I come away impressed. He truly appears to be a pro-ready elite college talent. 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 2B, 1 SB (his 8th already). The double missed home run distance by a few feet up the right field wall. It was a pivotal knock that sprung the Rattlers to a much needed victory. The athleticism and strength to hit this ball essentially on his back left knee is fairly incredible:

 

3) It's very fair to say INF Jesús Made was in a prolonged offensive funk when he was called up from Carolina. I think it's also fair to say, perhaps, he might have simply been ready to move on up and out of the Carolina League. What we have seen in his short stint in the Midwest League is nothing short of incredible. He's not just hitting for power and line drives with Wisconsin. He's putting together real pro AB's - poking to opposite fields. He's finding ways to get on base and do damage in every which way. The line drive and switch-hitting gap power is definitely still there, obviously, but he's really fast diversified how he gets on. Just take a look at this small sample for a flavor of his most recent multi-hit effort:

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Final: Carolina 9, Fredericksburg (Nationals) 5

Mudcats Take Series Opener at Fredericksburg - Bitonti and Di Turi Find Previously Elusive Key Hits

Game Notes

Box Score/Game Log

It is absolutely put up or shut up time for the young Mudcats. Fresh off a disappointing last ever regular season series at home versus Delmarva, the Mudcats know their destiny is in their own hands. They came out swinging. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come!

Who other than RHP Melvin Hernandez to lead them into the middle innings without an opponent's run on the scoreboard? Hernandez lowered his Carolina League leading ERA to 2.00 on his season with his 5 2/3 IP of 7 H, 1 BB, 5 K, 0 R work. He picked up his 10th victory in the process (10-5 overall). Despite a sublime looking final line, Hernandez will want to thank his stablemate in one LHP Bjorn Johnson who left the sacks dripping in the sixth frame by inducing a ground out to second base. He left all three inherited runners stranded. Quite the effort...even if Johnson would give up five runs himself the very next inning.

Three Quick Strikes:

1) I've been saying for several weeks the Mudcats needed to see 1B Eric Bitonti get hot. A 2-for-2, 1 R, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 0 K, 1 2B performance was absolutely just what the doctor ordered. Perhaps, this uber-talented young man has fought through his demons of the past month plus and saved his best for last. 

2) Not to be outdone in the 'Breaking out of a Prolonged Slump in Style' category, 2B Filippo Di Turi showed up in a big way when his team needed him most. 2-for-5, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 2B, 1 K. We all know how we've pointed to Di Turi's woeful July and August. That can all get tossed to the wayside with an impactful final series leading to a post-season berth. This was a hopeful start to hopefully a continued string of impactful AB's in this season-ending playoff-determining road match-up.

3) LF Josiah Ragsdale continues to do an admirable job setting the table from atop the line-up. Ragsdale is definitely a prototypical  get on base lead-off bat. Tonight's 1-for-3, 2 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 1 SB, 1 CS effort showcased this in detail. The Mudcats absolutely 'deserved' this game one victory given they earned 15 RISP opportunities. They managed a 5-for-15 mark while leaving 12 on base overall. With the victory, the Mudcats moved within 1.0 G of Fredericksburg for the second half division title. With Fayetteville nipping at their heels at 1.5 GB the division lead, it's as neck-and-neck as a division can get coming down to the wire. 

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Don't sleep in too late, the Mudcats get us going in the morning in a 'Free Game of the Day' beginning at 10:05 CST. All remaining affiliates will pick it back up in the evening hours. Don't sleep in too late, it appears RHP Bryce Meccage is indeed scheduled for his first innings since back on August first. Let's Go! LHP Bruce Zimmerman, RHP Ryan Birchard, and RHP Brett Wichrowski are the other slated starters.

As always, thanks for reading and thanks for supporting Brewers Minor League baseball. 

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[Jake McKibbin]

A little peek at a jet-lagless Tucker Davidson. Seems to kill spin on the splitter really nicely, and the slider has a nice shape, but I'm not sure that fastball can ever play really. Even the induced vertical break isn't all that impressive considering the arm angle he's using.

Not much feel for spin unfortunately

[Jake McKibbin]

Also, I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong here, but it looks as though Ernesto has been adjusting his approach quite a bit. I think he's selling out a little earlier for that air pull, and it's cost him that elite in zone contact rate from last season (and early in this one)

I never expected his air pull ball rate to be quite so high. Might be worth some swing change investigation

[MudcatsfaninBrunsCO]

Proud of the Muddies for getting it done. If we win this morning and a Fayetteville lost this evening we will be in 1st.

[jay87shot]

What is up with Fischer at 8 SB in 15 games, is he a lot faster than scouts gave him credit for or is it a case of pitchers not respecting him and he is being opportunistic. If he can even be a 50 grade runner that greatly improves his prospect status (40 grade on mlb.com).

[Joseph Zarr]

6 minutes ago, jay87shot said:

What is up with Fischer at 8 SB in 15 games, is he a lot faster than scouts gave him credit for or is it a case of pitchers not respecting him and he is being opportunistic. If he can even be a 50 grade runner that greatly improves his prospect status (40 grade on mlb.com).

He's quite athletic - more athletic than I gave him credit for that's for sure. One of the more pleasantly surprising developments in what has mostly been a forgettable second half system-wide, imho, is Fischer's all around game. Way more than a complete hitter than a power hitter. Way more athletic than pretty much anyone gave him credit for. MLB gave him a Hit 50 and Run 40 grade, for example. 

[Joseph Zarr]

5 hours ago, MudcatsfaninBrunsCO said:

Proud of the Muddies for getting it done. If we win this morning and a Fayetteville lost this evening we will be in 1st.

Mudcats absolutely should have won this morning. BUT, because they are the second half Mudcats, they stumbled into finding a way to lose instead. Painful.