Ro Mueller

Biloxi won a nail-biter to stay in playoff position. First round pick Braylon Payne tripled on his first swing and Mitch White was solid, but Carolina and Nashville fell. Wisconsin couldn’t catch up. Transactions: INF Jose Acosta assigned to High-A Wisconsin from Low-A Carolina OF Braylon Payne promoted to Low-A Carolina from ACL Brewers RHP Eric Prado promoted to Low-A Carolina from ACL Brewers Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Gwinnett 9, Nashville 2 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: White Tosses Third Consecutive Quality Start, Sounds Fall to Stripers A bunt single and 10-pitch walk to open the game failed to derail starting RHP Mitch White (6 IP, 1 R, 4 H – all singles, 2 BB, 6 Ks), who recorded the 4th dominant start in his last 5 outings, further turning heads by hitting 97.9mph on the radar gun. Unfortunately, the Nashville bats were quiet this time out, so White exited with the game tied 1-1 and the Sounds’ bullpen was duly shellacked from there. 22-year old RHP Jacob Misiorowski walked the first batter he faced on 4 pitches in a troubling 7th inning where only 7 of his 21 pitches were strikes, exiting down 2-1 with the bases loaded and 1 out before the wheels fell off in a 5-run frame. Sounds’ Extras: LHP Tyler Jay and RHP Ryan Middendorf covered the final 2 2/3 innings, with Jay allowing 3 inherited runners to score (one unearned) and Middendorf then allowing 3 runs of his own. The Sounds’ 5 hits and 6 walks were spread around, with only DH Wes Clarke distinguishing himself: 1-for-2, HR, 2 walks. Friday’s outlook: RHP Evan McKendry gets the start, with Nashville leading the series 2-1 but trailing Columbus by 4.5 games for a playoff spot. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 3, Rocket City 2 Box Score and Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Bullpen Combines for 5.0 Shutout Innings, Defense Stars in Shuckers One-Run Win This felt like a playoff game, with both teams struggling to push runs across. 3B Brock Wilken got the clutch 2-run double to grab an early lead, but it was the bullpen and defense who truly shined. 1B Ernesto Martinez’ legs and glove proved invaluable, as he drew a 1-out walk in the 8th inning, then with 2 outs took 2nd base on a wild pitch and scored on left fielder Adam Hall’s opposite field base hit for a 3-2 advantage. RHP Harold Chirino set aside his miserable August (11 ER in 6 1/3 IP) to deliver 2 scoreless middle innings and set the tone for the Biloxi ‘pen. The defense of Martinez and 2B Ethan Murray made big stops to help RHP Blake Holub escape the 8th inning before RHP Justin Yeager shut the door. Shuckers’ Extras: Starting RHP KC Hunt battled, allowing the leadoff man aboard in each of the first three innings, ultimately conceding 2 runs and needing 84 pitches to scale through 4 frames (2 R, 3 H, 5 BB, 4 Ks). The Biloxi offense recorded just 3 hits, but 2 were clutch as outlined above and the third was a double by DH Lamar Sparks in the 2nd inning. Rocket City only produced 6 singles against the Shuckers’ stout staff. Friday’s outlook: LHP Nate Peterson aims to repeat his terrific work of last week (6 shutout innings), as Biloxi aims to grab a 3-2 series lead. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Cedar Rapids 5, Wisconsin 3 Box Score and Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Early Deficit Burns Wisconsin in Cedar Rapids Starting RHP Ryan Birchard magically escaped the first two frames (aided by a double play and an Eduarqui Fernandez outfield assist) before giving up two runs in the 3rd inning as he easily-exceeded his highest game pitch total of the season (69 pitches, 35 strikes). After Wisconsin failed to bring home 2B Felix Valerio from second base with nobody out in the 3rd inning, Cedar Rapids used the long ball and benefited from an error to bring home 5 runs against Birchard and RHP Brailin Rodriguez by the 5th inning. Two Timber Rattler solo homers (3B Jadher Areinamo – see video, DH Ramon Rodriguez – 2-for-4), a sac fly and a Fernandez walk narrowed the gap to 5-3 and brought potential game-tying run to the plate with 1 outs in the top of the 9th inning, but Wisconsin could not get any closer. Timber Rattlers’ Extras: Brailin managed to toss a scoreless 6th inning, with RHPs Aidan Maldonado and Bayden Root following with 2 scoreless frames to give the team a chance. Manager Victor Estevez tried a role reversal, with 1B Tayden Hall leading off and center fielder Luis Lara batting cleanup, though they combined for an 0-for-5 day with 3 walks. 3B Luke Adams unsurprisingly rested after returning from injury on Wednesday. Hopefully he’ll be a regular from Friday and SS Cooper Pratt will also return by the weekend. Friday’s outlook: RHP Will Rudy needs to shake off last week’s rough start (5 ER in 5 IP) and lead Wisconsin to even the series at 2-2. Final: Delmarva 12, Carolina 6 Box Score and Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Delmarva Rolls Past Mudcats An error and infield single to start the game gifted Delmarva a 2-0 lead against starting 19-year old RHP Bryan Rivera (4 2/3 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 8 H, 3 BB, 1 WP, 2 Ks), but Carolina immediately responded with 2 runs on 3 hits, the last coming on 2024 first round pick DH Braylon Payne’s first official minor league swing in his debut: In the third inning, the recently-turned 18-year old Payne watched 5 pitches for a full count before taking the ball the other way for a fly out to left. He then opened the 5th inning with a strikeout via pitch clock violation, then grounded out in the 8th with the game far out of reach. Two infield singles and a 2-run triple restored Delmarva’s lead in the 3rd inning against Rivera. In relief, RHP Morris Austin (2 1/3 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 WP, 2 Ks) retired the first 4 batters he faced before allowing 2 runs on 3 singles and a walk in the 7th inning. Nine Mudcat hits through 7 innings had only produced 3 runs, as they trailed 6-3 before Delmarva erupted in the 8th inning to put the game away. Mudcats’ Extras: The first 6 Shorebirds reached against RHP Jack Seppings in the 8th inning (2 doubles, 2 singles, 1 BB, 1 error), but he retired the next 3 and will obviously expect better results in future outings. 8 of the 9 Mudcats’ batters recorded hits, led by left fielder Miguel Briceno (3-for-4, RBI, SB), right fielder Reece Walling (2-for-3, double, BB), 2B Juan Baez (2-for-5, RBI, SB) and SS Daniel Guilarte (2-for-5). Briceno also went to the mound to throw a scoreless 9th inning, recording his first strikeout in his 7th career mop-up inning. Per Gold Caretaker @sveumrules, Payne’s debut makes him the youngest player in the Carolina League. Friday’s outlook: Carolina lead’s this week’s series 2-1 and looks to continue staying sharp and healthy in advance of the playoffs next week. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. The big club Milwaukee Brewers will kick off Friday action at home against the Rockies at 5:10pm CST, with Carolina following at 5:30pm and the three other minor league squads commencing at 6:35pm. 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 View full article

It is indeed LHP Russell Smith (2.96 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 9.3 K/9 in 45.2 IP) who gets the call to make his first start of 2024 for AA Biloxi, as they shoot for a 2-1 series lead at Rocket City while battling Mississippi in parallel for a playoff spot. 1B Ernesto Martinez Jr. has a 1.248 OPS during his 11-game on-base streak (43 PAs).

22-year old RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez has gotten excellent results for AAA Nashville over his last 8 outings (2.14 ERA with 40 Ks in 42 IP, benefitting from a .153 BABIP). They could use another one as they seek a 2-0 series lead at home against Gwinnett. CF Chris Roller has suddenly found a power stroke (3 HRs over last 4 games).

High-A Wisconsin welcomes back 20-year old DH/INF Luke Adams (Midwest League leader in walks (77) and HBP (38)) from a 17-day absence, as they look to grab a 2-0 series advantage at Cedar Rapids. 23-year old RHP Alexander Cornielle is on an excellent 3-game run (2 ER and 18 Ks in last 11.2 IP).

21-year old LHP Mason Molina (2 IP, 0 R, 3 Ks) makes his 2nd start for Low-A Carolina, who aim for a 2-0 home series lead over Delmarva. 2B Filippo Di Turi has a 15-game on-base streak (though just a .546 OPS in these games).

It looks like 6'7", 255lb LHP Russell Smith will make his first start (28th appearance) of 2024 for Biloxi tonight, as they cling to a 1-game playoff lead with 11 games remaining in the regular season. He's thrown 57 pitches and 58 pitches (highest of his 2024 season thus far) on mediocre rest (4 days, 3 days) in his last 2 outings, so don't be surprised if he hits 71 pitches tonight (matching 2023 season high) on 5 days' rest.

Great report, Joseph. It'll be interesting to see who Biloxi goes with on the mound tonight - KC Hunt on 4 days' rest? Or a bullpen game led by Bo Bowman and Russell Smith? It looks like we got Tayden Hall, Juan Baez, Manuel Rodriguez and Sam Carlson back yesterday, but may have lost Eduardo Garcia. Let's hope Garcia is okay and that we also see Luke Adams in action tonight!

Thanks to Spencer Michaelis for spotting this one: recently-turned 24-year old RHP Tanner Gillis (2024 Northern Kentucky University; 2019-2023 Cedarville University) -

Still no Connor Scott. I’m definitely feeling some daunt. The AA Shuckers need to grab a road win at Angels’ affiliate Rocket City behind RHP Nick Merkel (3.23 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 10.1 K/9 in 69.2 IP) to avoid an 0-2 series hole. C Darrien Miller and 2B Ethan Murray enter for Nick Kahle and Dylan O’Rae.

RHP Sam Carlson may be struggling here (walk, 2 singles in 9th inning), but at least he’s back in action after a 13-day absence. The real question is the availability of OF Connor Scott, whose bat is being sorely missed in this game. Shuckers trail 6-4.

DH/1B Tayden Hall returns from a 10-day injury absence for High-A Wisconsin, which is in Cedar Rapids for its final week of the regular season. 22-year old RHP Stiven Cruz makes his 4th straight start (3.46 ERA with 11 Ks in last 13 IP).

AAA Nashville hosts Braves’ affiliate Gwinnett this week, with well-rested RHP Chad Patrick (3.02 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 8.8 K/9 in 116.1 IP) starting things off. LF Isaac Collins has a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-19), along with homering in 2 of his last 3 games.

Jeez. The first play in today’s continuation game was a run-scoring, everybody’s safe fielder’s choice. (Maybe we should take the easier out in the first inning next time?) Two batters later, Rocket City hit a 2-out, 3-run homer. Tough tough start. But to their credit, Biloxi responded with 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in the 2nd frame, cutting the deficit to 4-3. Ernesto Martinez Jr. is already 2-for-2 with 2 RBIs.

3B Juan Baez is back, baby. The Low-A Mudcats are home for the final week of the regular season against Orioles’ affiliate Delmarva, before next week’s playoffs. 20-year old RHP Daniel Corniel (4.47 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 in 94.2 IP) starts the opening game of the series.

Or, hear me out: Wilson will get the mysterious injury designation (for the rest of 2024) and Hudson will get a 15-day option to AAA to make some temporary roster room:

After late season injuries to Yelich, Woodruff and Devin in recent seasons, I’m just praying our guys stay healthy. But yeah, I understand being concerned about whether Milner will be at his best. It’s still amazing to consider Ashby’s sudden turnaround from a truly awful several months.

It’ll be 23-year old LHP Tate Kuehner who gets to handle the long innings in AA Biloxi’s first game of the day:

We’ve been pretty conservative activating rehabbing pitchers, which I think is partly to avoid having to DFA anyone. But yeah, it gets interesting this time of year, with Nashville’s season ending September 22 and the playoffs commencing October 1. Enoli Paredes probably needs to be activated by September 15. Then there’s Hoby Milner and Nick Mears, who we probably want back on the MLB roster by September 21 or so to give them a few MLB outings before the playoffs. Don’t be surprised if we ultimately option Ashby and/or Milner if we decide they won’t likely be part of the initial playoff roster. If it comes down to a cruel cut, it’s probably between Paredes and Wilson. The emergency rip cord may be to burn Hall’s final option year, but I’m sure Arnold wants to avoid that.

Sunday’s minor league games were not competitive, but at least Eric Bitonti homered, Luis Lara shone offensively and defensively and Brock Wilken returned to action. For the week, Carolina (4-1) and Nashville (3-2) were series winners, while Biloxi (2-4) and Wisconsin (1-5) ended up on the wrong end of the stick. Transactions: LHP DL Hall recalled by MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville OF Brewer Hicklen recalled by MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Cancelled (Rain): Nashville at Charlotte Via the Sounds’ website, rainout details: Rain Cancels Sounds and Knights Finale in Charlotte What had been expected to be a 7-game series at Charlotte ended up being just five games due to inclement weather, but at least Nashville was able to capture 3 of the 5 games. Next week’s outlook: Nashville (69-61) heads home to face Braves’ affiliate Gwinnett (66-66) this week, with RHP Chad Patrick (3.02 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 8.8 K/9 in 116 1/3 IP) scheduled to start the opening game on Tuesday. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Montgomery 10, Biloxi 0 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: Shuckers Fall to Biscuits in Series Finale on Margaritaville Night If you clicked on the box score (out-hit 16-2; also committed 2 errors; K’d only 3 Biscuits), you may be searching for some positive notes, such as starting LHP Adam Seminaris somehow throwing 70 pitches (4 IP, 6 ER, 10 H, 1 BB, 0 Ks) in his second start of the week (after 83 pitches on Tuesday) in an attempt to preserve arms before 7 games in 6 days in the week ahead. Seminaris actually did all right through 7 batters (2 infield hits, 1 walk, 5 outs including a GIDP, 0 runs allowed) before the wheels fell off: 7 of the next 9 batters collected hits to give Montgomery a 5-0 advantage. RHP Shane Smith was probably the Shucker performer of the evening (2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 2 Ks), but the game was already 10-0 when he entered in the 7th inning. The offense was hitless until left fielder Adam Hall (substituting for Connor Scott, who exited after 4 innings) collected an infield single in the 5th inning off of old friend Evan Reifert. At least dependable right fielder Lamar Sparks (1-3) doubled later to give the team one hit to the outfield. Shuckers’ Extras: One of the highlights on a rough night on the farm was simply the return of 2023 first round pick 3B Brock Wilken (0-for-3, walk) to action after he was substituted during Thursday’s game and missed the subsequent two contests. I’d thought RHP James Meeker may be poised to eat several innings (he’d thrown just 34 pitches over 4 games in the previous 35 days), but he was limited to one inning of relief (1 unearned run), along with RHP Tyler Woessner (3 ER) and position player Ben Metzinger (0 ER). We also note that RHP Sam Carlson has not appeared in a game since August 21. Next week’s outlook: Biloxi’s (60-63) final road trip of the regular season takes them to Madison, Alabama for seven big games against Angels’ affiliate Rocket City (55-69), starting with a quasi-doubleheader (2-on, 1-out with the Shuckers pitching in the top of the 1st inning) on Tuesday. They lead the Mississippi Braves by 0.5 games in the quest to earn a playoff berth. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Quad Cities 15, Wisconsin 2 Box Score and Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Rattlers Hit Sour Note in Home Finale Wisconsin’s media team has once again blessed us with video highlights which we greatly appreciate: Despite the defeat, we’re also fortunate to have this 20-minute Mehring/Lobner post-game podcast, including comments from rehabbing Hoby Milner and Manager Victor Estevez. The short-handed Timber Rattlers dropped a fifth straight game in their final regular season homestand of 2024, but are due back in Appleton for Game 2 of their semi-final playoff series on September 12. LHP Mark Manfredi (1 1/3 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 Ks) had thrown 45 pitches in Tuesday’s victory, but served as the opener on Sunday, working around two 1st inning walks before allowing 3 hits to 4 batters in the 2nd frame, handling over to RHP Yerlin Rodriguez down 1-0. Rodriguez (1 1/3 IP, 8 R (5 ER), 4 H, 4 BB, 1 WP, 2 Ks) was tasked with throwing a season high 55 pitches (only 24 strikes), retiring just 4 of 12 batters faced and exiting after a run-scoring error pushed Quad Cities’ advantage to 9-0 in the 3rd inning. As mentioned in the podcast, the game’s bright spots were center fielder Luis Lara (2 singles, walk, run, outfield assist) and Milner (3-up, 3-down 5th inning with 1 K). RHPs Bayden Root, Brailin Rodriguez and Dikember Sanchez garnered 8 strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings of work, but also allowed 4 earned runs, 7 hits, 3 walks, 1 HBP and 2 inherited runners to score, along with committing 1 balk. Timber Rattlers’ Extras: Having already qualified for the playoffs by winning the first half title, Wisconsin continued to let three regulars recuperate from injuries (Luke Adams, Cooper Pratt, Tayden Hall) while another rested (Ramon Rodriguez). As we also learned in the podcast, (i) Manager Estevez expects Hall back around Wednesday next week, Adams on Wednesday or Thursday and Pratt hopefully by Saturday or Sunday; and (ii) Mehring and Lobner don’t believe that 2B Jadher Areinamo’s exit after 4 innings was anything more than the Manager giving him a well-deserved rest amidst the blowout. Sunday marked Victor Torres’s (0-for-3) first game catching with the Timber Rattlers and first MILB start of any kind since June 20th. Next week’s outlook: Wisconsin (74-51) hits the road to Cedar Rapids (64-60) for their final series of the regular season, facing the Twins’ affiliate. RHP Stiven Cruz (3.86 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 7.2 K/9 in 56 IP) is expected to start the series opener on Tuesday. Final: Lynchburg 6, Carolina 2 Box Score and Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Drop Series Finale 19-year old LHP Anthony Flores (4 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 HBP, 2 balks, 4 Ks) took the loss but kept the Mudcats in the game, before the Hillcats pushed 4 runs across in the middle innings against Carolina’s bullpen. Right fielder Miguel Briceno (2-4, double, RBI) continued his solid recent stretch at the plate by doubling in a run with one out in the 5th inning to cut the deficit to 2-1, but was left stranded and the team trailed 5-1 half an inning later. While RHP Jesus Flores was tagged for those 3 runs (2/3 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 1 WP, 1 K), RHP Morris Austin stranded 2 baserunners for him and RHPs Jack Seppings (1 1/3 scoreless, 1 K) and Jeison Pena (1 IP, 1 K) each put in solid relief shifts. This was Pena’s first game action since August 11 after recovering from an injury. Mudcats’ Extras: 18-year old 3B Eric Bitonti (2-for-4, HR, double, RBI) is a threat to go deep every time he’s up, smacking his 8th blast for Carolina and 16th homer of the season, depositing the first pitch he saw in the 8th inning over the fence (solo shot). This was 4th round pick Marco Dinges’ second game behind the plate for Carolina, throwing out 1 of 3 attempted basestealers. However, he also saw his on-base streak end at 8 games (0-for-4). Next week’s outlook: Carolina (75-48) returns home for their final series of the regular season, hosting Orioles’ affiliate Delmarva (50-75). We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. While the minor league squads won’t be back in action until Tuesday, the Milwaukee Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals at 1:10pm CST on Monday. 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 View full article

I wasn't exactly sure how Biloxi intended to navigate its lean staff in today's game, but I'd hoped it didn't involve asking Seminaris to throw a starter's load on 4 days' rest. But yup, we've worked him to the tune of 83 pitches on Tuesday and 70 pitches today. To me, he's truly taken one for the team this week, even if that team presently trails 7-0 (5th inning - which Meeker covered) and has yet to register a hit.

AAA Nashville looks to clinch a 4-2 series win at Charlotte tonight, with RHP Chad Patrick on the mound and RF Noah Campbell sees his first game action since August 17.

3B Brock Wilken returns from a mini-absence and LHP Adam Seminaris makes his second start of the week as AA Biloxi aims for a 3-3 home series split against Montgomery.

Carolina’s final scheduled road game of the regular season sees them with a chance to complete a 5-0 sweep of Lynchburg. 19-year old LHP Anthony Flores has impressed through 5 Low-A games (2.37 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 in 19 IP). 20-year old Marco Dinges has been swinging the bat well (hit safely in 7 of 8 games, walked in the other) and this is his second MILB game behind the plate.