Brewers Minor League Link Report (6/11): DSL Clubs Continue Mashing; T-Rats and Mudcats Magic Numbers Down to Five

Transactions:

- RHP Will Childers was assigned to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers from the Biloxi Shuckers
- INF/OF Adam Smith was activated by the ACL Brewers (signed 5/31)
- RHP Kevin Herget was optioned to the Nashville Sounds by the Milwaukee Brewers 
- RHP Joel Kuhnel was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers and officially assigned to the Nashville Sounds
- RHP Harrison Durow was reinstated to the Carolina Mudcats from their 7-Day IL
- RHP Josh Timmerman was placed on the Carolina 7-Day IL (retroactive to 6/10)

Final: Gwinnett (Braves) 13, Nashville 9

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):

Clarke Homers, Sounds Fall to Gwinnett in Series Opener - Nashville Ties Game in Seventh Before Late Letdown

Box Score / Game Log

LHP Aaron Ashby reminded me of 2024 LHP Aaron Ashby. I'm less concerned about the seven hits in this one - several were absolute seeing-eye flubs or warm-burners. That just is what it is. At this point, however, I'm still absolutely concerned about his seeming innate capacity to lose his location in any AB - in any situation and at any time. Such was the case in his final inning - he left the bases juiced with nobody out and manager Rick Sweet summoned struggling RHP Mitch White. This is never an ideal scenario in 2024. In that same final Ashby inning we saw an opening four pitch walk and then a passed ball on a slider that dipped well inside and past C Eric Haase's glove. This was followed by: a single, walk, and game-tying RBI walk. These outings and these results are happening to Ashby on a consistent basis no matter what tint of glasses you are wearing. Now, White did Ashby zero favors in the inherited runs scored department - there is definitely that. Regardless, Ashby left after 5 IP, 7 H, 4 BB, 1 K, 1 WP, 1 HB, and 7 ER. There was some bad luck in there, for sure. But, there was also a lot of unpleasantness. 
 

Three Quick Strikes:

1) Tyler Black returned to the line-up in a lead-off role as a DH after his recent absences (unknown reasons here). He acquitted himself quite well and executed in key spots while also extending his recent hitting streak to seven games in a 2-for-5, 1 R, 2 RBI, 2 2 B, 1 BB, 2 K showing. Black looked healthy and as savvy as ever identifying pitches. We'll have to stay tuned as to whether or not he gets action back at 1B in the days and games ahead.

2) 15 was an ugly number for the Sounds in this one. 15 strikeouts for the Sounds bats (yuck). 3-for-15 with Sounds RISP. Those marks absolutely don't speak to a winning result. They certainly had their chances regardless, but that level of poor execution doesn't win many ball games.

3) I don't know what to say about RHP Mitch White other than he gives up lots of hits and lots of contact at the MLB level and Triple-A level so far in 2024. Every time I think he's turned a possible corner in an outing, he finds a way to suffer one form of heartbreak or another. Take this hanging breaking ball for example:

Hitters count. One run game. I consistently see too many lifeless pitches sit in the meat of the zone. In 2024, I would politely opine: in White's case, the numbers just don't lie. 

Final: Tennessee (Cubs) 5, Biloxi 4

Back-and-Forth Battle Goes to Smokies in Shuckers' Series Opener  - Smith Ties Career-High with Five Innings 

Box Score / Game Log  

Pre-Game Media Notes

For the second consecutive outing, the Shuckers team as a whole failed to match RHP Shane Smith's excellence on the hill. Both games resulted in frustrating losses. Smith tossed five complete frames of 2 H, 1 ER, 5 K, 0 BB ball. I said it his last time out and I'll say it again here: this is just the beginning for this talented young hurler. I sense really big things in his future and I am here for it - overall Shuckers results be damned. Smith handed over a 3-1 lead to his team and his bullpen. They simply couldn't hold on.

Three Quick Strikes:

1) Hats off to OF Lamar Sparks for showing signs of life at the dish! Two doubles in this one in a 3-for-4, 1 R, 1 RBI performance. What a sight for sore eyes in what has been a prolonged slump-riddled first half. Sparks is back above the Mendoza line, folks. Let's get that OPS above 0.600 and start cooking with some gas. Keep at it, young man!

2) LHP Nate Peterson was mostly effective in his three inning relief role. However, when he sometimes wasn't it was a costly mistake sent over the outfield walls. No long ball was more costly than the 2-0, nobody on, nobody out bomb he gave to a lefty well over the right field wall to start the ninth frame. That was all she wrote. The Shuckers stranded men on the corners with two down when DH Ernesto Martinez Jr. flew out harmlessly to left field. 

3) Let's end on two more positive notes: 3B Brock Wilken and INF Zavier Warren have started to simmer a little bit. I still don't see the timing with Wilken's bat - I opine the caged helmet is actually a significant issue for him - but I'm starting to see better results, regardless. He's grinding. 2-for-4, 1 BB in this one. Warren has now hit long balls in consecutive outings. He socked a two-run jack early to give the Shuckers their 3-1 lead. We're searching for signs of life in Biloxi. This will do for now. As an homage to this Shuckers first half, the Shuckers media team even shared us a mid-inning watering highlight en lieu of Warren's long ball. An uncanny viewing experience in all directions down South in Biloxi's 2024 first half.

Final: Wisconsin 5, West Michigan (Tigers) 2

Timber Rattlers Take Game One of Road Trip - T-Rats Lower Magic Number to Five

Box Score / Game Log  

Pre-Game Media Notes

LHP Mark Manfredi did Mark Manfredi things for the T-Rats tonight. The young man seems to find a way in nearly every outing to impact the game positively. 5 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 HBP, 1 R (unearned), and 2 K. He gave his squad everything they needed to get the slight edge and then grab victory. This T-Rats team is just such a pleasure to watch - they embody their passionate and skilled manager in every way. Speaking of manager Victor Estevez, he was tossed early in this one passionately (and correctly) arguing a missed HBP call on Manfredi. And, well, maybe he was also arguing a home plate umpire with an unpredictable and wild strike zone. Let's just say Estevez took one for his team and for us fans at home watching in dismay as the ump butchered one call after the next. This doesn't even get into the missed check swing calls on OF Eduarqui Fernandez and DH Jesus Chirinos (also tossed). It was a fun one!

Three Quick Strikes:

1) If you've never watched a contest at West Michigan's ball park, let me just share: it is definitively not a long ball friendly ball park. It is a pitcher's park through-and-through. It made it all the more impressive when RF Eduarqui Fernandez and 3B Luke Adams launched some absolute rockets over the left field and center field walls, respectively. Needless to say, they were huge long balls and they gave their squads the juice they needed to run away with a crucial victory.

2) Speaking of 3B Luke Adams, he appears to be heating up at the absolute most important time of the T-Rats season. He also ripped an opposite field triple down the first base line into the right field corner. What was even more impressive about the knock was the home plate umpire absolutely hosed him on a missed ball four call high and inside the pitch before. A free pass turned into a full count. He manned up and choked the bat a bit and just ripped a dart down the line. @damuelle reminded us Adams came in to tonight's victory riding a five-game hitting streak during which he had 5 hits, 7 walks, 2 HBPs all while boasting a 1.014 June OPS (35 PAs). The hit totals rose. The OPS bloomed to 1.192 with the long ball and the triple. He also played some of his most trustworthy defense at the hot corner I've seen him play in quite some time. This is an exciting development, folks! You just love his passion and fire. Take a look:

3) He got roughed up a bit in Double-A but I'm not entirely certain RHP Will Childer's Double-A performance mandated the re-assignment. Childers may be in the Wisconsin bullpen because of several factors. He struggled some, yes, but the bigger picture tells me: RHP Bayden Roots has struggled since his promotion; the promotion and dominance of RHP Craig Yoho in Biloxi has thinned the high-leverage relief corps for manager Victor Estevez; the T-Rats need another dependable arm in a push for their first division title since 2012. It could be all of these reasons. It could be none of these reason. Regardless, you have to tip the cap to Childers for moving back to a High-A bullpen and shutting down the final two innings in a 5-2 victory. That's the stuff that an organization notices - 2 IP, 0 H, 2 BB, 1 K, 0 R. Childers continues to give up very little in High-A ball. He was getting hit to the tune of a 0.313 BA with Biloxi in the Southern League. He is still just 23 years old. Plenty of ball games left.

Final: Carolina 3 , Fredericksburg (Nationals) 1  

Mudcats Win in Series Opener - Magic Number Sits at Five

Box Score / Game Log  

Let our very own @wiguy94set the scene for this one:

Quote

Manuel Rodriguez has to be the most impressive pitcher in the system this year and that's saying a lot because there have been a lot of impressive pitchers. He's the 3rd youngest pitcher in Low A this season (minimum 20 IP) yet after tonight he will be top 15 in IP among all A ball pitchers. He's at 53.2 IP and no other 18 year old in Low A has 40 IP. His 2.8% BB-rate after tonight is 6th lowest in A ball. He deserves a lot more love than he's been getting.

I agree 100% with these words. What's more? Rodriguez ended his 7 IP performance tonight (have I mentioned he's 18 years old and has now pitched five innings or more in four consecutive starts?!?) with two strikeouts swinging. Just uncanny savvy and grit and results for such a young arm who, as 'wiguy94 states above, gets so little recognition. After 7 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K, 1 R (unearned) tonight he also lowered his season ERA to a very impressive 3.19 with a fantastic 1.02 WHIP. It's truly a shame he has pitched in so many tight games with little run support. He is sporting an unfair 2-4 record. Baseball. What a crazy game. He pitches seven complete frames tonight. He doesn't get the decision. Those of us who know, know. Elite talent here with a frame that can likely add a bit of mass and, hopefully, a few ticks in velo as he ages and progresses.

Three Quick Strikes:

1) After LF Yoshwar Garcia made an uncharacteristic misplay off the left field bullpen wall to allow a lead-off batter to reach third base (Rodriguez's unearned run), I had a feeling he would still impact the game in positive ways. Afterall, Garcia has been a mainstay and a constant plus on both sides of the diamond. Well, he certainly played that part late ripping an 0-2 heater high off the left field wall for the late lead. It's quite obvious, here, Garcia thought he sent the ball over the wall. Manager Nick Stanley will want to get in his ear, politely and constructively, about getting out of the box with more intent rather than watching your single hit the high left field wall 😅

2) RF Luis Castillo hasn't hit for much average. He hasn't walked all that much. He has a bit of a swing-and-miss profile. But, I finally understand his place and role in this Mudcats lineup. He is their sole true one true outcome power threat. And, he has also shown the propensity to access this power in crucial spots. Tonight's game-tying long ball was no different. He's hitting 0.204 with a 0.652 OPS and a 57:17 K:BB ratio. Yet, he's 2nd in the Carolina League with nine homers. That's an old school bat in the line-up. I'm learned to embrace what Castillo brings in the Mudcats possible second consecutive playoff berth.

3) I'll leave you with the following: 19-year-old Cooper Pratt is the most talented and MLB-caliber shortstop talent in the system. I've seen enough to know what I am seeing in the tea leaves. All the hype is legitimate. He has the frame, the build, the hand-eye coordination, the innate power. The long balls will come. Mark my words. In the very least, we have a Brady House-level prospect growing up before our eyes. I do have moments when I ponder what his first half would have been had he not suffered that minor injury in mid-April. He's had a fantastic first half but there was the absence and some brief residual rust. 

Final: ACL Brewers 6, ACL Mariners 4
Box Score / Game Log

It's always a breath of fresh air when the ACL Crew's pitching staff allows less than their League-worst 7.39 runs allowed per contest. Tonight was one of those nights. In a rare turn of events, the Crew have largely LHP Felipe De Los Santos (and his 2024 ACL 2.79 WHIP) to thank for helping them keep the run total down. Santos came aboard in an unfavorable bases loaded jam with nobody out in the fourth inning. He did walk in a run, but he kept the Crew in front 4-3 by inducing a line out to 2B, a strikeout, and a pop out. That's a hugely impactful bit of relief work in what has otherwise been a season rife with challenges. Major kudos are deserved. Santos held serve over 2 1/3 IP of 0 H, 3 BB, 1 K, 1 R (unearned) ball while earning his second win of his young season. RHP Jose Nova then picked up the Save over 1 2/3 IP of 1 H, 1 BB, 0 R, 2 K high-leverage ball. On the offensive side, we see newly acquired utility man Adam Hall manned the center field grass and went 1-for-3 with 1 R, 1 RBI, and 1 K in a lead-off role. Rehabbing outfielder Garrett Mitchell didn't fare as well as his debut going 0-for-3 with 1 BB and 2 K. And, old Brewer Fanatic favorite INF Luiyin Alastre went 3-for-4 with 1 RBI and 1 SB (his eighth of his season). Of course, there are other storylines in this one - simply peruse the Game Log or Box score linked above.

Final: DSL Brewers Uno 13, DSL Rojos (Reds) 6
Box Score / Game Log

The DSL Crew led 2-0 after three frames. They were tied 2-2 entering the fifth and they trailed 6-4 when the fifth frame was completed. Yes, indeed, they won the last four frames 9-0. How sweet it is. We see more fantastic offensive output from the Uno's formidable 1-2 punch in INF's Jesus Made and Luis Pena. The two young men went a combined 8-for-11 with 6 R, 6 RBI, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 SB. Yowza. Made added to his tally with a late bases clearing triple - his second of his young season. The 17-year old now has 9 hits in just 20 AB with a ridiculous 1.442 OPS over this small sample. Pena swiped his 12th base in 13 tries and caused havoc from his first AB. The offense as a whole went 7-for-20 with RISP. On the pitching side of things, the game seemed to settle in when 18-year-old and second-season DSL'er 18-year-old Venezuelan RHP Luis Guevara came aboard and pitched three innings of 1 H, 1 BB, 0 R, 3 K ball. He picked up his first win of his very young season. Also of note, second-year DSL'er 17-year-old Nicaraguan RHP Saul Sanchez was impactful in his 2.0 IP of 1 H, 0 BB, 2 K, 0 R work to close the game out. The DSL Brewers One moved to 5-1 and are atop the Leaderboards in several team offensive categories.

Final: DSL Brewers Dos 14, DSL Tampa Bay 6
Box Score / Game Log

Unlike the DSL Crew One above, the Brewers Dos never trailed. After the fifth frame was completed, they led 9-1. The DSL Brewers Dos offensive box reads like a winning Lottery ticket:

I mean, goodness gracious! If it were always this pretty. That was Anderson's third long ball in just 19 AB. A super sustainable HR/6.333 AB. It's been really nice to see INF Kevin Ereu having a hot start after such a disappointing inaugural DSL season in 2023. Let's hope he can keep this going! Fingers crossed. If you swing to the pitching side of things the first 7 IP between RHP Jesus Flores (5 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 9 K, 1 ER) and RHP Jesus Broca (2 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 ER) jumps off the screen. 15 K in 7 IP is eye-opening at any level. Clearly, as this game also demonstrates, it was a solid day for the second-year DSL Crew hurlers. The DSL Crew Dos moved to 3-2.

Tomorrow morning, the DSL Brewers Uno will be making up an earlier rain-out as they face the DSL Padres Gold - the Dos and the ACL Crew have game days off. Nashville and RHP Taylor Clarke will be giving us the sole matinee. And, in the evening RHP Daniel Corniel will try to solve his recent third inning woes. LHP Tate Kuehner will look to keep his recent plus play rolling for the first place T-Rats. And, RHP Jacob Misiorowski will see if he can limit his wildness and help the Shuckers even their series vs the Smokies.

As always, thanks for reading and thanks for supporting Milwaukee Brewers Minor League baseball and the many players deserving of our time and recognition. 

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