Ro Mueller

The last scheduled start today comes from RHP Brett Wichrowski (1.64 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 11.5 K/9 in 11 IP) for High-A Wisconsin in Peoria. CF Luis Lara has hit safely in 9 of 10 games, with 10 RBIs.

Look who’s healthy, batting cleanup and ready to end Nashville’s 3-game skid: RF Brewer Hicklen(!!), who exited Tuesday’s game in pain after an HBP. RHP Chad Patrick (3.46 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 6.2 K/9 in 13 IP) is the starter tasked with ending the skid in Louisville.

AA Biloxi has dropped 4 games in a row, so needs a repeat dominant performance from RHP TJ Shook (5 shutout innings with 7 Ks last outing). DH Mike Boeve has 3 consecutive multi-hit games at Pensacola.

RHP Josh Knoth (3.24 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 10.8 K/9 in 8 1/3 IP) takes the mound for Low-A Carolina, who seek to extend their 2-1 home series lead over Salem. DH Blayberg Diaz has 5 extra-base hits in just 25 ABs (.957 OPS), earning more playing time.

I don’t know about his mechanics, but will say that from the 2nd batter through the 9th batter, Ashby couldn’t locate at all, missing by miles on many balls. If anything, the crushed bases-clearing triple jolted him and he responded well, painting corners with ease to retire the next 5 hitters in order. (Note: It helped that batters stood and watched 10 straight pitches after the triple.) However, by that point he’d lost his velocity (all pitches below 93mph to last 6 batters faced), so the final 3 batters were able to select their pitch to a degree.

RHP Wilfredo Cordero released by DSL-Brewers1

Luis Lara and Gregory Barrios drove in four runs in a Timber Rattler victory. Carolina’s hurlers struck out 18 in defeat, while comebacks from Biloxi and Nashville fell short. Image courtesy of Biloxi Shuckers Transactions: Signed RHP Carlos Carra and assigned to DSL-Brewers 1 RHP Joseph Hernandez assigned to High-A Wisconsin from ACL Brewers (returning to the level he played in 2023) Thank you to BrewerFanatic Verified Member ARobsBrewCrew for updating us on the injury to RHP Ryan Birchard, who’s “dealing with an oblique issue and his absence should end up being a matter of weeks rather than months (hence the 7-day IL placement). All things considered, non-elbow issue = good news.” Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes (not yet available at press time) Final: Louisville 9, Nashville 5 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: Nashville's Late Rally Not Enough in Loss to Louisville Watching LHP Aaron Ashby (3 IP, 6 R, 5 H, 5 BB, 1 WP, 4 Ks) struggle with control for 60 pitches, then ultimately get hit hard when his velocity drops below 94mph remains a tough experience, I’m sorry to say. The five walks were issued in the first two innings (amongst the first 10 batters Ashby faced), before a first-pitch, bases-clearing triple was crushed at 112.2mph to put Nashville behind 4-2 at that point. The 4th inning ultimately decided this game, with the Sounds squandering a 2-on, nobody out opportunity (K, shallow fly, fly out), then Ashby giving up a double and 2-run homer when asked to extend himself beyond 81 pitches (he totaled 95 in the end, with 49 strikes). Sounds’ Extras: RHP Kevin Herget was also extended further than expected, throwing 50 pitches for the highest total in his last 37 games played. The results were solid, at least giving his teammates a chance to get back into the game in the middle innings: 3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 4 Ks). C Eric Haase (2-for-4, double, RBI) was the offensive bright spot, delivering a 2-out, RBI single to help Nashville to a 2-0 lead in the opening inning, then smacking a double which nearly turned the tide in the Sounds’ favor in the 4th inning. By all appearances, 28-year old RHP Enoli Paredes remains the top reliever for the Sounds, providing another 3-up, 3-down inning with 2 strikeouts here to lower his season ERA to 1.80. He’s most likely not in Milwaukee due to being on a minor league contract and the fact that (even if he’s added to the 40-man MLB roster) he can’t be freely optioned back to the minors. Friday’s outlook: RHP Chad Patrick (3.46 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 6.2 K/9 in 13 IP) is scheduled to make his 4th start of 2024, with the Sounds desperate for a win since they trail the series 3 games to zero thus far. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Pensacola 6, Biloxi 5 Box Score and Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Boeve Makes History with Two Triples in Shuckers 6-5 Loss to Pensacola The three runs scored in the 1st inning against starting RHP Tyler Woessner (5 1/3 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 8 Ks) were the first three batters he faced in the game, with each Pensacola player smacking a double to the opposite field, followed by an error to allow the third run in. Only two of the first 13 Shuckers’ hitters reached base: both in the form of triples by 3B Mike Boeve (2-for-4, 2 triples, run), who was stranded in the 1st inning after reaching base with one out, then scored on a 2-out RBI single by C Darrien Miller (extending his hitting streak to 6 games) to cut the deficit to 3-1 in the 4th inning. Despite this being a road game and a loss, Biloxi’s media team led by Javik Blake came through with numerous highlights, including this one: Three players had the chance to play hero, coming up as the potential game-tying run in the top of the 9th inning: 1B Ernesto Martinez ground out, right fielder Lamar Sparks ground out, center fielder Carlos D. Rodriguez line out. Shuckers’ Extras: Although Boeve got the headlines, Zavier Warren (2-for-4, HR, double, 2 RBIs; playing left field this game) actually had the bigger hits: solo homer to trim the lead to 3-2, then a 9th inning double in the 3-run rally which fell short. https://twitter.com/BiloxiShuckers/status/1783651818653753847 It’s been a tough campaign for Sparks thus far; .157 AVG, .380 OPS. In this game, he was also unable to come through in the 7th inning with 2-on, 2-out, down 4-2 (flied out). RHP Shane Smith (2 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 5 Ks) did well to strand a runner for Woessner via back-to-back strikeouts, but then ran into trouble himself by conceding two runs the following inning. Friday’s outlook: A week ago, Biloxi was celebrating their 8th straight victory, but now they’ve gone down in four consecutive games and trail Pensacola 3-0 in this series. RHP TJ Shook (2.63 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 11.9 K/9 in 13 2/3 IP) gets a chance to turn the series around tonight. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 5, Peoria 3 Box Score and Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Wisconsin Bullpen Shuts Down Peoria Wisconsin was the sole affiliate to grab a Thursday victory, but when I check the box score to highlight key performances, I see: Zero extra base hits and 7 hits total A starting pitcher (RHP Will Rudy) who gave up 3 runs in 5 innings 0-for-2 on stolen base attempts 2-RBI center fielder Luis Lara knocked them in via walk and HBP, including the RBI-HBP to give the Timber Rattlers a 4-3 lead in the 7th inning So it was a Team victory, punctuated by going 4-for-9 with runners in scoring position, committing zero errors and having a lockdown bullpen: 4 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K by RHPs Will Childers, Aaron Rund and Chase Costello. Timber Rattlers’ Extras: Rudy (5 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 0 BB, 6 Ks) was solid if not spectacular, walking none and needing only 67 pitches (50 strikes) to get through his five innings. The three runs came via two Peoria homers. SS Gregory Barrios may not have added to his league-leading doubles total, but he did knock in runs via groundout (3rd inning for a 2-1 lead) and single (7th inning insurance run for 5-3 advantage). 2B Dylan O’Rae and right fielder Eduarqui Fernandez collected two singles each, with Fernandez also drawing a walk and scoring two runs. Friday’s outlook: Talented 21-year old RHP Brett Wichrowski (1.64 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 11.5 K/9 in 11 IP) gets the call, as Wisconsin aims to push their series lead to 3-1. Final: Salem 3, Carolina 1 Box Score and Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Fall at Home To Salem RHP Jesus Rivero (4 1/3 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 6 Ks) was able to work out of a 2-on, 1-out jam in the 2nd inning, but Salem made him pay in the 3rd inning via a 3-run homer which was enough for the Red Sox to finally defeat Carolina in their 6th attempt of 2024. 18(!) strikeouts by Mudcats’ pitchers is phenomenal, but perhaps less so when we see that Salem also K’d 17 Carolina hitters. Did the home plate umpire have somewhere else to go (2 hours, 29 minute game time)? The 6th inning proved pivotal, as DH Cooper Pratt and 1B Tayden Hall were left stranded on three consecutive strikeouts, the last two called strikes on frustrated Carolina hitters. Salem retired the final 12 Mudcats in order, including 3 Ks in the final inning. Mudcats’ Extras: Pratt went 1-for-3, but more importantly was able to stay in the game despite being hit by pitch on the hand in the 1st inning. It was a night for most pitchers to stat-hog, with the Mudcats’ bullpen taking advantage: RHPs Jeferson Figueroa, Morris Austin and Bayden Root combined for 4 2/3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 12 Ks. 18-year old center fielder Yophery Rodriguez (1-for-4, double, RBI) produced the team’s only extra base hit and RBI. Friday’s outlook: 18-year old RHP Josh Knoth (3.24 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 10.8 K/9 in 8 1/3 IP) is due to make his 4th start of 2024, as Carolina aims for a 3-1 series lead. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Good luck to all squads in their Friday contests. 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

20-year old RHP Jesus Rivero (3.00 ERA in 39 IP last year; 3.27 ERA in 11 IP this year) continues to put up solid numbers for Low-A Carolina, which leads Salem 2-0 in this week’s home series. 2B Juan Baez has reached via hit, BB or HBP in each of his 16 games.

AA Biloxi needs another excellent start from 24-year old RHP Tyler Woessner (1.80 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 12.6 K/9 in 15 IP) to avoid a 3-0 series deficit at Pensacola. C Darrien Miller has a 5-game hitting streak.

22-year old RHP Will Rudy (6.23 ERA in 8.2 IP) makes his 3rd start as High-A Wisconsin aims to grab a 2-1 series lead in Peoria. C Matt Wood (1.036 OPS in 39 PAs) has carried over last year’s excellent eye (73 BB / 68 K in 2023; 7 BB / 4 K in 2024).

- RHP Joseph Hernandez assigned to High-A Wisconsin from ACL Brewers (returning to the level he played in 2023)

LHP Aaron Ashby (9.28 ERA in 10.2 IP) gets a chance to show us what he’s capable of when getting a full 7 days between starts. AAA Nashville needs a solid outing to avoid a 3-0 series deficit at Louisville. By my count, SS Andruw Monasterio has a 30-game on-base streak in AAA ball.

Signed RHP Carlos Carra and assigned to DSL-Brewers 1

I don’t think that this was previously announced and suspect they just updated his status quietly: - RHP Jose Chavez released by Low-A Carolina on September 25, 2023

Putting a player on the Development List keeps them with their team (e.g. AAA Nashville), but they’re ineligible to play in games. While on the Development List, they don’t count against the capped 28-man (AAA, AA) or 30-man (High-A, Low-A) club rosters. It can be thought of as a period to work through new pitches, swing changes, etc. or simply a way to carry some extra bodies (often catchers). They DO count against the aggregate 165-player in-season stateside MILB roster limit, but that’s not likely to seriously pinch rosters until after the MLB draft.

Now we have to worry about whether Hicklen is injured, as he was hit by a pitch and exited in the 5th inning.

Here's a note of goodwill for five players recently released: 18-year old INF Jhon Bencosme from the Dominican Republic was an international free agent signing in January 2023, delivering a .444 OPS in 86 PAs in his sole season in the organization. In the field, he primarily split his time between second base and first base. We wish Jhon success in his next opportunity. 18-year old 1B/C Roman De La Torre from Venezuela joined the organization in June 2022, debuting in the DSL the same year with a .587 OPS in 76 PAs, playing in 20 games as a catcher and 4 as the DH. Unfortunately, the numbers dipped further in 2023: .459 OPS in 55 PAs and he also spent the majority of that season at first base. Good luck to Roman in whichever new pursuit awaits. 18-year old INF Donis Rodriguez from the Dominican Republic also signed with the Brewers in June 2022. His OPS in the DSL in 2022 was only .545 (112 PAs), but the 22 BB / 23 K ratio and 9 SBs in 12 attempts were promising. However, he only reached base 10 of 50 times in a 2023 DSL repeat: 3 hits (.075 AVG), 3 walks, 4 HBP. Best of luck to Donis on his next career move. 18-year old OF/1B Smarlin Espinal from the Dominican Republic signed in January 2023, producing a .497 OPS in 94 PAs in his only DSL campaign in the Brewers’ system. He played both corner outfield spots and first base during his 28 games. We hope Smarlin finds a great opportunity elsewhere. 23-year old RHP Miguel Guerrero of the Dominican Republic signed an international minor league contract with the Brewers in September 2020, then in a highly promising move went straight to Low-A Carolina in May 2021 for his organizational debut. That accelerated move prompted a bit of struggle (5.75 ERA in 56.1 IP) as he was seemingly being groomed for long relief work (e.g. averaging 39 pitches per game over his last 25 contests). An immediate promotion to High-A Wisconsin in 2022 started poorly (7.85 ERA in 28.2 IP) before he rediscovered his form and confidence back at Carolina (1.50 ERA in 24 IP with 31 Ks). 2023 saw Miguel return for a 3rd stint in Low-A ball to start the year (2.76 ERA in 29.1 IP), then face familiar challenges after re-joining Wisconsin in early July (6.11 ERA in 28 IP). We trust that Miguel will land back on his feet with another organization, independent league or a different but rewarding career path.

Thank you Colorado for seeing no future for switch-hitting LF/2B Isaac Collins after 4 seasons in your system.

High-A Wisconsin aims for a 4th straight series win to start 2024, this time at Cardinals’ affiliate Peoria. 20-year old RHP Patricio Aquino has been getting results but is looking for some Ks (2.70 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 3.6 K/9 in 10 IP). SS Gregory Barrios (1.027 OPS in 53 PAs) leads the league with 8 doubles.

RHP Jacob Misiorowski (5.23 ERA with 15 Ks and 11 BB in 10.1 IP) gets the opening game start for AA Biloxi at Marlins’ affiliate Pensacola. 2B Freddy Zamora’s bat has been productive, lifting his season OPS to .784 in 52 PAs.

The 12-3 Low-A Mudcats host Red Sox affiliate Salem this week, with 18-year old RHP Manuel Rodriguez looking to build on his last start (5 IP, 1 R, 7 Ks) in tonight’s opener. 3B Juan Baez’s on-base streak is 19 games, including 5 last year.

The AAA Sounds are in Louisville this week to take on the Reds’ affiliate, with RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez (6.75 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, 10.1 K/9 in 18 2/3 IP) starting tonight. 1B Tyler Black is heating up: .315 AVG, .902 OPS in 88 PAs.

OF/INF Noah Campbell promoted to AAA Nashville from AA Biloxi RHP Miguel Guerrero released by High-A Wisconsin

Yeah. I’m more horrified by the possibility of throwing Ashby out there again - that’d be Game 1 at home against the Yankees. Junk or Ashby? Or Rea throwing 5 days since his last start, but that would still mean Junk or Ashby (or Blalock I guess; Chad Patrick wild card?) in Game 2. We unearthed Julio Teheran last season. May have to pull off a similar magic act. Maybe LHP Eric Lauer (2.37 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 10.4 K/9 in 19 AAA IP, with 22 Ks, 7 BB) has an opt-out with the Pirates?