Brewers Minor League Link Report (4/1): Luis Lara Stays Hot, but Knights Down Sounds 9–3

[Ben Lepak]

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Game Action:
Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes
Charlotte (White Sox) 9, Nashville 3
Box Score

Via the Sounds’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Sounds drop second game of series 9-3

The Nashville Sounds lost 9–3 to the Charlotte Knights on Wednesday night, dropping to 2–3 on the season. Despite the loss, Luis Lara had a standout performance, going 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.

Charlotte struck first in the second inning after a pickoff error by Sounds starter Carlos Rodriguez led to an unearned run. Nashville answered immediately when Lara hit a solo home run to tie the game 1–1.

The Knights then took control by scoring four runs across the third and fourth innings, chasing Rodriguez after 3.1 innings. He allowed five runs on eight hits with two strikeouts in his first start of the season.

Nashville’s bullpen initially kept the game close. Peter Strzelecki escaped a bases-loaded jam and tossed 1.2 scoreless innings, and Brian Fitzpatrick added two more scoreless frames. The Sounds mounted a brief rally in the seventh inning, highlighted by an RBI single from Lara and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to Ethan Murray, cutting the deficit to 5–3.

Charlotte put the game away in the ninth inning, scoring four insurance runs off Kaleb Bowman to extend the lead to 9–3. 

The Sounds will continue the six-game series Thursday, April 2, with Garrett Stallings making his first start of the season. That will be our last solo spotlight of the Sounds, as the other minor league affiliates will all open play on Friday April 3.

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[long ball]

Just reading the prospect reports I was thinking Lara may end up as a high floor 4th outfielder. Similar profile to Blake Perkins. But then he was impressive in big league camp and now that MiLBtv is included with mlbtv I’ve watched a few games and I’m back on board with him being the CF of the future and possibly even by opening day 2027. 
 

carlos Rodriguez might be in DFA danger at some point this year. Not a lot of dead weight on the 40 man. He’s one of 3-4 guys who might not last the season. 

[sveumrules]

18 minutes ago, long ball said:

Just reading the prospect reports I was thinking Lara may end up as a high floor 4th outfielder. Similar profile to Blake Perkins. But then he was impressive in big league camp and now that MiLBtv is included with mlbtv I’ve watched a few games and I’m back on board with him being the CF of the future and possibly even by opening day 2027. 

With his defense and speed the question for Lara was always if his bat was going to turn out more like Perkins (84 career wRC+) or Frelick (100 career wRC+ with a 114 last year).

Given that he never really dominated at any minor league level (112 wRC+ at Carolina, 96 wRC+ at Wisco, 116 wRC+ at Biloxi) I've tended to lean more the Blake way over the years, but when we consider that Sal was still a sophmore at Boston College when he was 20 while Luis was more than holding his own in the Southern League that kinda tilts the scales more towards a possible Frelick outcome. Sal didn't even get drafted until he was 21, debuted in MLB at 23, first full season at 24. Luis could debut this year or next, and get his first full season as a 22 or 23 year old depending how things play out. 

Either way, Lara definitely flies under the radar. Cooper Pratt landed on the back half of numerous Top 50 lists this offseason on the strength of his SS defense while hitting 238/343/348 (107 wRC+) with a 12.7 BB% | 15.2 K% and 31 SB / 5 CS as a 20 year old.

Lara was the same age, is also a top notch up the middle defender in CF and hit 257/369/343 (116 wRC+) with a 14.1 BB% | 16.2 K% and 44 SB / 7 CS on the same team.

Obviously Pratt's larger frame gives him more room to dream on future power production, but even if Lara tops out around Sal on a power level that is still around a three win player if he can manage something like a league average batting line. Pretty good stuff for a guy that can't even crack the organizational Top Ten.

[eklinka]

Who gave Luis Lara permission to rake?!? Only 5 games, I know, but if he found a way to have even an average hit tool you could be seeing a potential all-star ceiling. 

[liveforoctober]

Lara is incredibly interesting. Is he the most "under the radar" top 20 prospect we have? Has to be right?

The defense is elite. If he hits in Nashville that puts Jett Williams in no man's land AND/OR puts Lara on every team's radar.

This team and farm system is so fun right now. It is an embarrassment of riches.