Brewers Minor League Link Report (5/17): Hardin, Leonard and Mills Lead Affiliates to Two Sunday Wins

[Ro Mueller]

Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic

For the week, Nashville (6-0) and Wilson (4-2) were series winners, Biloxi (3-3) managed a draw and Wisconsin (1-4) struggled.

 

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Transactions:

• RHP Peter Strzelecki designated for assignment by MLB Brewers
• LHP Robert Gasser recalled to MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville
• C Eric Martinez transferred to Development List from AAA Nashville
• RHP Tyson Hardin promoted to AAA Nashville from AA Biloxi
• RHP Ayendy Bravo assigned to High-A Wisconsin from ACL Brewers
• RHP Argenis Aparicio assigned to High-A Wisconsin from ACL Brewers
• RHP Bryan Rivera placed on High-A Wisconsin’s 7-day injured list

 

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Game Action:

Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Nashville 4, Iowa (Cubs) 3
Box Score and Game Log

Via oursportscentral.com, game details: Sounds Walk off Iowa to Secure Series Sweep

Starting 24-year-old RHP Tyson Hardin’s AAA debut did not disappoint, as he struck out 3 of the first 4 batters faced and only allowed 2 runs (1 earned) in 7 strong innings (4 H, 3 BB, 6 Ks).

Hardin’s velocity peaked at 96.1mph in the 2nd inning and he looked like he might be spent at 89 pitches after conceding a 104mph single, 9-pitch RBI double and 5-pitch walk to consecutive batters with one out in the 7th inning, but he buckled down to induce two ground outs to strand 2 critical baserunners and finish at a season-high 94 pitches.

The Sounds saved the best for last for 6,513 home fans, plating 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th for a series sweep. That final half-inning, which commenced with a 4-pitch walk drawn by substitute OF Jacob Hurtubise (one of 3 free passes in the frame), was highlighted a 106.4mph first pitch single by OF Luis Lara to load the bases and of course DH Eddys Leonard’s walk-off 105.4mph single to win it.

3B Jett Williams (2-for-3, HR, triple, walk, RBI) was Nashville’s offensive star, tripling (101.9mph) but picked off in the 1st inning, smacking a solo homer (101.4mph) to tie the game 1-1 in the 6th inning and using an ABS challenge to help draw a walk in the 9th inning comeback.

Sounds’ Extras:

• Hurtubise entered the game for rehabbing OF Akil Baddoo in the 6th inning, gunning down speedy James Triantos (3 stolen bases in the game) at home on a fly ball double play to end the top of the 9th inning, then starting the walk-off rally.
• LHP Rob Zastryzny made his second rehab appearance of the week, needing just 10 pitches complete the 8th inning (walk, pick-off, K, ground out).
• C Jeferson Quero (7 stolen bases allowed) wasn’t able to match his counterpart Eric Yang defensively (one pick-off, one caught stealing; no stolen bases allowed), but he did have a base hit and contributed the game-tying sacrifice fly in the 9th inning.
• The Sounds got some help in the 4th inning by an Iowa baserunner forgetting to tag up from 3rd base as part of an inning-ending double play.

Next week’s outlook: Nashville (26-19) travels eight hours due east for a six-game set against Ray’s affiliate Durham (19-26), with the series beginning at 10:05 AM CST on Tuesday.

 

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Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Montgomery (Rays) 7, Biloxi 4
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Shuckers’ website, game details and we encourage readers to review affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: DeBerry Continues to Dazzle in Shuckers Setback to Biscuits

Despite outhitting the Biscuits 9 to 7, Biloxi fell short in their quest for a road series win, done in by stranding nine baserunners (vs. 4 for Montgomery), including a runner at third base in each of the final three innings.

After starting RHP Jaron DeBerry threw well but was hurt by the long ball (3 homers – 6 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 8 Ks), C Matt Wood (2-for-3, triple, walk) started a comeback with a 1-out, 5th inning triple, with SS Jesus Made driving in 2 runs with 2 outs to cut the deficit to 4-3.

1B Mike Boeve (2-for-4, HR, RBI) briefly tied the game in the 6th inning with his 4th homer of 2026 and 2B Dylan O’Rae valiantly tried to tie it again by manufacturing a run an inning later (bunt single, SB, passed ball), but was left stranded.

Trailing 5-4 in the 8th inning, OF Damon Keith singled to open the frame and later stole 3rd base, but the team could not cash in. An inning later, Keith was at the plate with 2-on, 2-out, trailing 7-4, but flew out for the final play.

Shuckers’ Extras:

• RHP Ryan Birchard once again recorded his 3 relief outs via strikeout (31 Ks in 22 IP this year), but also allowed a walk and 2-run homer this time out. The blast came on a 1-2 pitch which likely got too much of the plate.
• OF Mark Coley II put his recent slump further behind him with a 2-for-4 game, including an infield RBI single in the 5th inning. 3B Eduardo Garcia went 0-for-4 with 3 Ks, but it was nice to have him return to action after exiting Thursday’s game early.
• RHP Cameron Wagoner retired 3 of 4 batters faced in the 7th inning, but also hit old friend Jadher Areinamo with a pitch. Another old friend Gregory Barrios put the first run on the board with his 2nd inning solo shot.

Next week’s outlook: Biloxi (17-21) returns home for six games against White Sox affiliate Birmingham (16-23), commencing on Tuesday.

 

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Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes
Postponed: South Bend (Cubs) at Wisconsin

Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, rainout details: Sunday’s Timber Rattlers Game with South Bend Rained Out

After giving up 74 runs in 5 games this week, which included 3 2/3 innings tossed by Timber Rattlers’ position players, perhaps a rain out cleanse and re-set were truly in order.

Next week’s outlook: Wisconsin (20-16) heads over to Midland, Michigan to play six games against Dodgers’ affiliate Great Lakes (25-13), with LHP Wande Torres scheduled to start the series opener at 10:05 AM CST on Tuesday.

 

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Wilson Pre-Game Media Notes
Final: Wilson 7, Hill City (Guardians) 4
Box Score and Game Log

Via the Warbirds’ website, game details: Warbirds Fly to Series Win With Four in the First

19-year-old C Rylan Mills’ full season affiliate debut was an immense success as he earned an RBI walk in the 1st inning for a 4-2 lead, then homered on a 2-2 pitch in the 3rd inning to give Wilson some important breathing room (6-3 at that point).

An 18th round draft pick in 2025 ($247,500 signing bonus), Mills also threw out attempted base stealers in the 7th and 8th innings.

Starting RHP Carlos Carra (4 2/3 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 Ks) allowed 3 runs to the first 12 batters faced as Wilson’s advantage was cut to 4-3 but did well to ultimately retire the last 6 hitters in order.

The team’s early patient eye allowed the Warbirds to draw 5 first inning walks and a hit-by-pitch, chasing the Howlers’ starting pitcher after he conceded 4 runs and only recorded one out.

DH Brady Ebel (2-for-4, double, RBI, 2 SBs) recorded the team’s sole hit in that 1st inning, then tag-teamed with OF Handelfry Encarnacion (2-for-4, double, HBP) on back-to-back doubles (video) in the 7th inning.

RHP Peyton Niksch (3.12 ERA) and LHP Anfernny Reyes (2.41 ERA) were solid in relief, combining on 4 1/3 innings (1 R, 3 H, 3 BB, 4 Ks).

Warbirds’ Extras:

• Reyes did struggle initially (back-to-back walks and a wild pitch to open the 8th inning), but delivered a 3-up, 3-down 9th inning to close out the series victory.
• Each of OF Pedro Ibarguen (single, walk, RBI), 3B Filippo Di Turi (single, walk, SB), SS Juan Ortuno (2 walks, SB) and 2B Luis Lameda (2 walks) reached base twice to keep the pressure on Hill City pitchers.

Next week’s outlook: Wilson (19-20) remains home this week to take on Orioles’ affiliate Delmarva (14-25) for six games, beginning on Tuesday.

 

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We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. On Monday, the Milwaukee Brewers (26-18) start their critical series at Wrigley (29-18) at 6:40 PM, while the ACL Brewers (4-7) play at the ACL Mariners (7-4) at 8:00 PM CST.

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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