Brewers Minor League Link Report (5/10): Shuckers and Mudcats are Steamrolling the Competition

Transactions:

• Brewers transferred LHP Aaron Ashby's rehab assignment from the ACL Brewers to Nashville
• Brewers signed free agent 1B Bobby Dalbec to a minor league contract and assigned him to AAA Nashville (MLB Trade Rumors report link)

Final: Norfolk (Orioles) 4, Nashville 1
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:

Vihuelas Drop Saturday Night Tilt to Tides - Delgado and Clarke Combine for Four of Six Nashville Hits

It took a while to get to scheduled starter Carlos Rodriguez - in addition to Vinny Nittoli needing the work, Nittoli's assignment as a one-inning opener was seemingly a signal as to Aaron Ashby's upcoming MLB role, as later confirmed by Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, that Ashby will now be prepped as a multi-inning reliever. The game summary you just read did a fine job of laying out the mound work for Nashville in this contest.

Ryan Middendorf getting the final out with the bases loaded, stranding all three of Rodriguez's baserunners, helped preserve Carlos' pristine 2.01 ERA (1.19 WHIP).

One game as the DH, one game at first base, and now one game on the bench as Ernesto Martinez, Jr. eases back into action. Hopefully we'll see him Sunday.

Very little to chew on from an offensive perspective here, though the Sounds' "X" feed scraped a few clips for you to visit.

Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes

Final, Game One: Biloxi 4, Pensacola (Marlins) 1, seven innings as scheduled
Box Score and Game Log

Final, Game Two: Biloxi 7, Pensacola 4, seven innings as scheduled
Box Score and Game Log

Dominant Doubleheader Sweep Pulls Shuckers into First-Place Tie - Shuckers earn first series win over Pensacola since 2022, win fourth straight series

Ayrault made full use of his position player roster, with Bladimir Restituyo, Ramon Rodriguez and Jheremy Vargas subbing in for Mike Boeve, Darrien Miller and Garrett Spain in the nightcap. Boeve has yet to play an inning in the field, whether his one game in Arizona or now three games for Biloxi.

Javik Blake had his trigger finger on the submit button Saturday night, as no fewer than a dozen video highlights populate the Shuckers "X" feed this morning, perhaps none more impressive than this throw by Restituyo:

By the way, Javik's having a blast during this Shuckers hot streak, and his enthusiasm is infectious.

Darrien Miller was HBP, bringing his season total to three. The neck-and-neck race with Luke Adams hasn't materialized, with Adams sporting eight bruises to date.

Adams has started 19 games at first base, and nine at the hot corner (he was there for Game Two). Brock Wilken (be sure to view both his HR and double in the highlights) has started 23 games at third, nine at DH.

Game One starter Brett Wichrowski only fanned one but did not walk a batter in his four innings (one HBP). The Shuckers only needed five pitchers to cover the 14 innings, no blow-ups within, as those box score lines indicate.

Don't overlook Zavier Warren's and Ethan Murray's improved output this season in headlining the Biloxi resurrection, they are both having fantastic campaigns thus far.

Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes (download link)
Final: Peoria (Cardinals) 9, Wisconsin 5
Box Score and Game Log

Peoria’s Early Lead Too Much for Rattlers to Overcome - Wisconsin rallied from 7-1 down to get to within two runs, but fell 9-5

Despite 14 combined runs, neither team covered themselves in glory, as the majority of runs were plated in very inglorious fashion. This game was ugly from the get-go. Both available video highlights via the T-Rats were embedded in the linked game summary. 

If you skipped viewing Chris Mehring's report based on the prior paragraph (please don't do that), then you may be wondering why Jadher Areinamo didn't complete the game. He's not hurt, as the box score indicates - well, maybe his feelings are hurt - 

Ejections: Timber Rattlers shortstop Jadher Areinamo ejected by HP umpire Jarred Neal (6th).

LHP Jesus Broca and RHP Jeferson Figueroa combined to allow only one earned run over the final five innings.

I've come to realize, and I wish this wasn't the case, but the Rattlers are the closest mirror image to the parent club at this time. The implications of that statement carry much more weight as it pertains to the big-league squad, but it's pretty evident. Tyson Hardin (ERA 1.42), Bishop Letson (1.33) and Manuel Rodriguez (1.80) have dazzled in 18 starts. Freddy Peralta, Chad Patrick, and Jose Quintana, anyone?

Individual batting stats: Milwaukee Wisconsin - close enough

Final: Carolina 16, Kannapolis (White Sox) 2
Box Score and Game Log

Mudcats Blast Kannapolis

This game brought us back to the 2021 Carolina League season, when the Cannon Ballers were a wretched 40-79, and the Mudcats in particular had their way with them in multiple blowouts.

The Mudcats had only 11 base hits ("only", relative to the final score), but drew ten walks and were plunked four times. They finished 7-for-20 with RISP. The boys were 5-for-5 in stolen base attempts before the score required a modified emphasis there. Carolina actually only scored in four of nine innings but had two five-run and two three-run frames.

Atop the order, Jesus Made, Luis Pena and Marco Dinges combined to reach base nine times (four by Made alone). The bottom four in the order scored 12 runs, four by Demetrio Nadal. This is the kind of offensive box score you just dig into and enjoy all the nuggets - you know you want to, so enjoy...plus there are five video clips here to take in.

2024 3rd round RHP Jaron DeBerry's second start was an effective 48 pitches over 2.2 innings. Personally, I think he should spell his last name with the lower-case "d" in order to channel a bit of Jacob deGrom.

Southpaw Bjorn Johnson continues to justify his 12th round selection out of a Washington state high school in 2023. Speaking of names, there has never been a "Bjorn" in MLB, and only seven have pitched in the minors, with Johnson being the only one active.

On a much more sobering note, please visit this important post within our as-it-happens game thread. 21-year-old LHP Caden Vire, already having endured lengthy injury absences, had to exit abruptly, grabbing his elbow. Hate to see it.

Final: ACL Brewers 8, ACL Angels 4, seven innings as scheduled
Box Score and Game Log

Teenager Griffin Tobias (9th round Indiana high school pick last summer) allowed four runs in the first, but only two were earned. Tobias added two scoreless frames, The A-Crew then did their best Mudcats impersonation with a five-run and a three-run inning to garner the victory.

Three pitchers followed Tobias with shutout ball, including Tommy John rehabber Tanner Shears, who K'd four of the five batters he faced in his perfect appearance.

On our daily thread, there were ten consecutive posts with insights and tidbits from this game. Plese visit those posts here.

There are four afternoon games on the Sunday docket, and many eyes will be on Brandon Woodruff in Nashville making what should be his final minor league appearance before his MLB return. 

Wishing all a wonderful Mother's Day - fully aware that the day is difficult for some, thoughts are with everyone.

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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