Ro Mueller

18-year old SS Filippo Di Turi leads the ACL in walks (11 in 44 PAs), has a .394 AVG and 1.091 OPS. Just a few games into his season, we already have a hitting highlight reel:

Bishop Letson’s solid start enabled Carolina to split its doubleheader. Wes Clarke homered to help Chad Patrick and Nashville earn a win. Wisconsin went scoreless and Biloxi was rained out. Transactions: LHP Nick Bennett transferred to Development List by AAA Nashville RHP Nolan Blackwood transferred to Development List by AAA Nashville LHP DL Hall sent on rehab assignment to High-A Wisconsin OF Joey Wiemer sent on rehab assignment to AAA Nashville LHP Osbriel Mogollon assigned to Low-A Carolina from ACL Brewers Although not a transaction, we’re all eager to learn why 1B Tyler Black and OF Brewer Hicklen were late scratches from the Nashville lineup. Are they headed to join the Brewers in Houston? Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes (not available at press time) Final: Nashville 5, Jacksonville 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: Sounds Keep Rolling With Third Straight Triumph at Jacksonville Yet another solid outing from 25-year old RHP Chad Patrick (6 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 Ks) and one big inning by the offense were enough to push Nashville to a 3-0 series lead in Jacksonville. Patrick was able to put up that fine line despite the first three batters of the game reaching base (HR, walk, single), bearing down to escape dangerous situations in each of the first three innings, including working around a triple to open the 3rd inning. His velocity peaked at 93.7mph, throwing 87 pitches (54 strikes). Time will tell how many catching opportunities 1B Wes Clarke will get in AAA ball, but we were always confident he could hit at this level: 1-for-3, HR, sac fly, 2 RBIs. He had the game-tying, 425-foot solo homer in the 4th inning, then his sacrifice fly gave Nashville a 2-1 lead which it would not relinquish. RHP Abner Uribe (2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 2 BB, 1 WP, 0 Ks) earned the save and was consistently hitting 100mph, although we’d feel better if he didn’t open the 8th and 9th innings with a walk. Sounds’ Extras: After spending the entirely of the 2023 season in AA ball (with Reading in the Phillies’ system), it’s a bit shocking that was 3B Oliver Dunn’s Nashville debut. Hopefully he’s able to improve his contact rate during his time in AAA. He swung at eight pitches in this game, whiffing on only two: 1-for-4, walk, SB, run scored. Left fielder Joey Wiemer (1-for-3, run scored) exited after 6 innings of defense, but early exits are relatively common for rehabbing players. What’s not common was his replacement Yonny Hernandez playing in the outfield for the first time since 2019. RHP Janson Junk is on the 40-man MLB roster and may very well be a relief pitcher now, throwing only 21 pitches in this game. He’s not exceeded 51 pitches in any outing since April 9th. In this game, it took him six batters to see his velocity exceed 94.1mph, peaking at 96.1 to the last hitter – a swinging strikeout to escape a first-and-third jam. I repeat: Black and Hicklen were both posted in the original Sounds’ lineup, then scratched. Let’s hope they’re being promoted to further boost the Brewers’ offense. Friday’s outlook: 22-year old RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez, who is coming off two solid starts (2 ER with 15 Ks in 11 IP), is slated to make his 9th appearance (8th start) of 2024 as Nashville looks to clinch a series win. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Rained out: Biloxi at Mississippi Via the Shuckers’ website, rainout details: Shuckers, M-Braves Postponed at Trustmark Park on Thursday The Shuckers and Braves will try again in Pearl, Mississippi on Friday, this time with a doubleheader, with Biloxi needing to win both games to even this week’s series at two games apiece. Friday’s outlook: RHPs Brett Wichrowski (3.57 ERA in 22 2/3 IP in High-A/AA ball) and Shane Smith (3.7a ERA with 28 Ks in 17 IP) are the scheduled starters. This will feel like Smith’s first real start since his 2021 Wake Forest days, even if he threw as a one-inning opener a few times in ACL ball in 2022. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Beloit 6, Wisconsin 0 Box Score and Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Wisconsin Win Streak Ends with Shutout Loss to Beloit There aren’t many highlights to enjoy from this one, but we can still appreciate the video package (including solid bullpen work) put together by Wisconsin’s terrific media team: Chris Mehring and Kyle Lobner also have a 12-minute podcast for us, with comments from Manager Victor Estevez, excitement about DL Hall’s upcoming rehab stint (on Sunday) and their theory about 3B Luke Adams’ early exit. After 1B Tayden Hall grounded into a double play with 2-on, 1-out while trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the 2nd inning, starting RHP Will Rudy (4 IP, 6 R, 7 H, 0 BB, 2 Ks) thought he’d earned a strikeout for a 1-2-3 third inning, only to give up an infield single, outfield single, 3-run homer and solo homer as the game went sideways in a hurry. The bullpen firm of RHPs Jake Polancic, Aaron Rund, Tyler Wehrle and Craig Yoho were exceptional: 5 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 8 Ks. Yoho’s season numbers remain out of this world, as he continues in High-A ball due to some glitch in the matrix: 0.56 ERA with 31 Ks and 2 BBs in 16 IP. Timber Rattlers’ Extras: · Per the podcast commentary, Adams left mid at-bat in the 7th inning, which they think may be due to a jammed hand while stealing second base earlier in the game. · Credit the excellent pitching performance by the Sky Carp, who conceded just 5 singles, 2 walks and a hit-by-pitch. · SS Gregory Barrios just keeps humming along: 2-for-4, season AVG .319 and OPS .815. Friday’s outlook: LHP Brian Fitzpatrick (4.05 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 in 20 IP) is due to make his 7th appearance (2nd start) of 2024, as Wisconsin shoots for a 3-1 series lead at home against Beloit. Game One Final: Carolina 3, Down East 1 (in 7 innings) Box Score and Game Log Game Two Final: Down East 5, Carolina 0 (in 7 innings) Box Score and Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Split Doubleheader with Down East This was the fifth minor league start of 19-year old RHP Bishop Letson’s career and the first time he’s exceeded 3 innings, needing only 65 pitches to get through 4 1/3 IP: 1 R, 1 H, 3 BB, 6 Ks. SS Cooper Pratt homered the other way to give Carolina an early 1-0 lead, then 1B Reece Walling connected on his first blast since being promoted to Low-A. Walling’s 2-run shot in the 5th inning came on the 7th pitch of a battling at-bat. RHP Harrison Durow (1 2/3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K) gave up a double to the first hitter he faced in the bottom of the 5th inning, escaping the tricky 2-on, 1-out situation via a pop out and ground out to preserve the 3-1 lead which would hold up. In the 2nd game, an infield hit and 2-run homer on a 3-and-0 pitch put RHP Daniel Corniel (5 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 Ks) and Carolina in an early 2-0 hole, with the offense unfortunately slumbering from there: 3 singles, 1 walk, 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position. Mudcats’ Extras: Unfortunately, right fielder Kay-Lan Nicasia was injured on a line out in the bottom of the 6th inning of the first game, so we’ll need to monitor his status. Although the Mudcats have the top winning percentage in the 12-team Carolina League, they now find themselves tied for first with Fredericksburg in the North Division. Those two mid-June make-up games against Columbia loom large on the calendar. We may never know whether 20-year old LHP Osbriel Mogollon actually went to Arizona for the 3 days that he was re-assigned there. Thankfully, he got the ball over the plate in this appearance (23 pitches, 14 strikes; after a 19-pitch, 4-strike outing five days earlier), but unfortunately he conceded 2 runs and 3 hits in his sole inning of work. Keep your head up, young man! Friday’s outlook: 18-year old RHP Josh Knoth (3.32 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 9.5 K/9 in 19 IP) gets the call to hopefully even this week’s series at Down East at two games apiece. ACL Mariners 11, ACL Brewers 8 (in 12 innings) Box Score and Game Log Our young men in Arizona let this one slip away after leading 4-1 after 7 innings, but did score 3 runs in the 10th inning to re-tie the game, then another in the 11th inning to push the game to a 12th frame. RHP Logan Henderson (2 2/3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 5 Ks) dominated again in his second rehab stint, while DH/C Eric Martinez and 3B Eric Bitonti (1-for-4, HR, 2 walks, RBI) each hit solo homers in the 3rd inning to give the crew an early 2-0 advantage. That’s Bitonti 3rd blast of 2024. The team’s youngest player, 17-year old RHP Melvin Hernandez then covered a whopping 4 innings (trust me, it’s a lot for ACL ball – 1 R, 5 H, 0 BB, 3 Ks) to keep the team in shape for a near-victory. Unfortunately, the Mariners put across 3 runs in 2 innings off of LHP Caden Vire (3 IP, 7 R (5 ER), 3 H, 3 BB, 2 Ks) to send the game to extra innings, with Vire staying in for rough 10th inning and even the open batter of the 11th frame. Remember that this was only Vire’s 2nd appearance since missing essentially 2 seasons due to injuries. 18-year old SS Filippo Di Turi continues to be the most consistent bat in the lineup, contributing another three hits in this game to lift his season average to .394 and OPS to 1.090. Amazingly, the Mariners intentionally walked the ever-dangerous Bitonti (.991 season OPS) and Di Turi to load the bases with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, opting to face 1B Gery Holguin instead (whom they struck out) as they clearly prioritized winning on this night. Right fielder Antony Gomez and left fielder Luiyin Alastre had clutch 2-out RBI hits in the bottom of the 10th inning to knot the game at 7-7, but were both left stranded. RHP Samuel Valerio did well to escape a bases loaded, nobody out jam in the top of the 11th inning (fly out, K, pop out) to keep the Brewers within a run, with Di Turi then sending the game to a 12th inning with an RBI single. However, Valerio then conceded consecutive homers to open the next inning. The ACL Brewers (3-6) will be back in action on Friday, hosting the ACL Padres (5-5). We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Enjoy the system’s six MILB games scheduled for Friday, including the Shuckers’ twin-bill. 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

Low-A Carolina’s lineup for Game 2 of today’s doubleheader at Down East: 1 - Y. Rodriguez 2 - Pratt - SS 3 - Baez - 3B 4 - Castillo - DH 5 - Diaz - C 6 - Y. Garcia - LF 7 - Walling - 1B 8 - Briceno - 2B 9 - Mercado - RF X - Corniel - P

Hoping it’s a Black-for-Roller or Black-for-Monasterio or Black-for-Miller move. The bat and wheels play.

Yeah, he exited a game in the 6th/7th inning about a week ago. I think this is why Noah Campbell was sent down to AA, as Martinez had already been pressed into outfield action.

High-A Wisconsin aims to go up 3 games to 0 at home against Beloit.

I’ll bet Biloxi scores more runs in today’s one game than they did in yesterday’s doubleheader defeat:

Tyler Black was pulled from the Nashville lineup at the last minute:

Shuckers are down to their final 3 outs, trailing 1-0. It’s up to Wilken, Campbell and Warren to make some magic.

And here’s the AA Shuckers lineup for Game 2 of today’s doubleheader in Mississippi, whom they presently trail 1-0 through 5 innings. C’mon Men!!!

Here’s the AA Biloxi lineup which was only able to produce 1 run over 8 innings in their loss in Game One of today’s doubleheader at Mississippi, highlighted by terrific RHP Bradley Blalock on the mound and the return from injury of CF Carlos D. Rodriguez.

K-machine LHP Mark Manfredi (3.86 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 15.4 K/9 in 18.2 IP) got the start for High-A Wisconsin’s home matinee against Beloit, with the Timber Rattlers also looking for a 2-0 series advantage.

The AAA Sounds also have an early start, aiming to double their series lead to 2-0 at Jacksonville. RHP Taylor Clarke makes his 2nd rehab start. LF Brewer Hicklen is tied for 10th in the 20-team International League in total bases (73 in 132 ABs) and T-11th in homers (8).

Game action is already under way, with Low-A Carolina at Rangers’ affiliate Down East. RHP Manuel Rodriguez comes in on a roll (1.96 ERA over his last 23 IP). LF Yhoswar Garcia has 12 hits in his last 27 ABs.

High-A Wisconsin hosts Marlins’ affiliate Beloit this week. RHP Patricio Aquino starts tonight’s opening game. SS Gregory Barrios and Dylan O’Rae lead the Midwest League in doubles and stolen bases, respectively.

We’ve got RHP Tyler Woessner and the Sounds at Marlins’ affiliate Jacksonville this week. Nashville welcomes Wes Clarke and Freddy Zamora to AAA ball.

RHP Corbin Martin claimed by Baltimore, who optioned him to AAA Norfolk

- LHP Osbriel Mogollon assigned to ACL Brewers from Low-A Carolina

Dominican Summer League (DSL) schedules have been uploaded to MILB.com: Opening Day: Monday, June 3rd (DSL-Brewers1 hosts DSL Padres Gold) DSL-Brewers2's first game appears to be Tuesday, June 4th (hosting DSL Royals Fortuna) 51 DSL teams in all, by my count. This is a reminder that the top 2024 international signings were SS Jorge Quintana (assigned to DSL Brewers-1) and SS Jesus Made (not yet assigned). Lastly, by my records, zero DSL Brewers were promoted to ACL ball during the course of the 2023 season, so don't be surprised if that's the case again. Of course, several players will be gunning to overcome that perceived obstacle, e.g. INF Kevin Ereu, INF Roderick Flores, OF Ramon Moreno, 1B/OF Danny Puerta, OF Christopher Vasquez, RHP Joshua Quezada (acquired from Yankees), RHP Jesus Flores (if healthy), RHP Gabriel Colmenarez, RHP Esmir Suarez, RHP Ranwell Smith, etc.

RHP Janson Junk optioned to AAA Nashville from MLB Brewers

Edwin Jimenez delivered six shutout innings and Kay-Lan Nicasia powered Carolina’s offense in series-clinching wins. Nashville blew a late lead and Biloxi only produced one hit in defeat. For the week, Wisconsin and Carolina each won their series 4 games to 2, while Nashville and Biloxi both ended their series in a 3-3 split. Transactions: RHP Taylor Clarke sent on rehab assignment to AAA Nashville Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Durham 8, Nashville 7 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: Sounds Fall in Durham on Mother's Day Four home runs and a 7-3 lead after six innings weren’t enough for Nashville to grab a Sunday victory on the road, but the story wasn’t all bad here. Of particular note, 1B Tyler Black (2-for-4, double, walk, SB) returned to the lineup and the field after exiting Friday’s game early when he’d fouled a pitch off his foot. LHP Aaron Ashby didn’t start the game, but was the long man of the day despite throwing on 4 days’ rest. All in all, this was a step in the right direction, limiting the opposition to 2 runs and 5 hits while recording 8 strikeouts against just 1 walk (and 1 HBP) over 5 encouraging innings. Oh, that’s right, Ashby was sent out to attempt a 6th frame, which unsurprisingly (given the relatively short rest and general struggles before this game) went hard hit single, hard hit single, 4-pitch walk, mound visit, K, ultimately leaving after throwing 81 pitches (55 strikes). RHP Ryan Middendorf was able to limit the damage in that 7th inning to just one run, but Durham had inched closer to 7-4. A frame later, RHP Blake Holub allowed 3 on and recorded 2 outs, giving way to LHP Darrell Thompson to face the lefty Brandon Lowe, who mashed a grooved slider 423 feet for the 8-7 advantage which would hold up. Sounds’ Extras: Eight Sounds collected at least one hit, led by unsung C Nick Kahle (3-for-4, HR, 2 RBIs). 2B Owen Miller, center fielder Isaac Collins (1-for-3, HR, walk, RBI) and left fielder Noah Campbell (1-for-3, HR, walk, 2 RBIs) each homered as well. Other than a Black single and stolen base, the Sounds were unfortunately unable to get to Durham closer Joe Record, who’d come in with a 7.43 ERA and 2.25 WHIP. DH/OF Brewer Hicklen will wish he’d done better with a slider down the pipe, as he unfortunately got under it for the 2nd out. Per the game link above, MLB-rostered RHP Taylor Clarke (1 IP, 1 ER via homer) got the rehab start in his first game action since spring training. Acquired for two minor leaguers in the offseason, Clarke has minor league options remaining so may officially join the Sounds soon. Next week’s outlook: Nashville stays on the road, this time headed to face Marlins’ affiliate Jacksonville, with RHP Tyler Woessner expected to get the series-opening start. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Montgomery 7, Biloxi 0 Box Score and Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Shook Strikes Out Eight, Shuckers Fall in Finale to Biscuits Unlike the Sounds’ notes above, this Sunday affair was mostly bad for our Biloxi squad, who registered more errors (2) than baserunners (1) and also failed to throw out any of six attempted basestealers. But let me get to the three positives I took from this game: RHP TJ Shook, making his 3rd start in 11 days, allowed only an unearned run over 4 solid innings, striking out 8 while conceding 1 hit and 2 walks. Oh, forgive me, that’s right: he was sent out to attempt a 5th inning, which went walk, single, single, ultimately being charged with 2 earned runs. RHP Shane Smith had the longest relief outing of his career, doing what he could to limit the damage he’d inherited from Shook (a GIDP scored that 3rd run) and throwing 54 pitches overall (3 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 Ks). This is clearly part of a concerted effort to see how Smith fares as a multi-inning guy, as he’s reached or exceeded 40 pitches in each of his last 3 appearances. RHP Nick Merkel bounced back from two rough outings to pitch a scoreless top of the 9th inning. Shuckers’ Extras: As excited as we are about many players in the Shuckers’ lineup, the batting averages look miserable: 6 players sub-.200, 2 players in the .200-.250 range. Only 1B Mike Boeve (.341 AVG, .931 OPS – but 0-for-3 on this day like nearly every other Biloxi player) stands out as a consistent bat. Thankfully Biloxi’s sole baserunner came via a hit (a Justin Dirden single off old friend Evan Reifert in the 6th inning), so we’re not talking about a perfect game being thrown against them. Credit Montgomery starting LHP Ian Seymour (Ray’s #19 prospect) with the 5 perfect innings. I’ll also note that their 6 stolen bases came with C Andy Yerzy behind the dish for Biloxi. Next week’s outlook: Biloxi will take the 2.5-hour drive north to take on Braves’ affiliate Mississippi, with RHP Bradley Blalock (2.43 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 7.3 K/9 in 29 2/3 IP) most likely to be given the ball for the opening game. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 6, Quad Cities 3 Box Score and Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Wisconsin Beats Bandits 6-3 to Win Series 22-year old RHP Edwin Jimenez (6 IP, 0 R, 3 H – all singles, 0 BB, 7 Ks) delivered his 2nd shutout start of 2024 and most dominant performance since July 2023, leading Wisconsin to their Mother’s Day series-clinching victory. Are his 134 2/3 career High-A innings enough to trigger a move to AA Biloxi? The Timber Rattlers’ offense came from a relatively surprising place, as number 9 hitting (and surprisingly DHing instead of catching) Ramon Rodriguez blasted his first 2 home runs of 2024: a 2-run shot in the 3rd inning for Wisconsin’s first runs and a solo shot in the 6th inning to extend the lead to 5-0. Timber Rattlers’ Extras: Eight Wisconsin position players recorded hits, with each of Rodriguez, center fielder Luis Lara, 3B Jheremy Vargas and left fielder Terence Doston each collecting two. Vargas just turned 21 years old a few days ago, so it’s definitely worth continuing to track his progress. Having three players thrown out on the basepaths in the 1st inning will usually cost you (tagged out at 3rd base, caught stealing, picked off), but thankfully not this time out. Of course, Victor Estevez-managed clubs tend to be aggressive on the basepaths: they went 6-of-8 on stolen base attempts (including the pick-off). 2B Dylan O’Rae now has 17 SBs on the young season, with Lara close behind at 15. Each reliever conceded two hits in their one inning of work apiece, but Quad Cities never managed to get the potential game-tying run to the plate, despite doing a bit of damage against RHP Yerlin Rodriguez (1 IP, 2 ER). Next week’s outlook: Wisconsin returns home to battle Marlins’ affiliate Beloit, with 21-year old RHP Patricio Aquino (6.53 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 4.8 K/9 in 20 2/3 IP) scheduled for the start in Game One. Final: Carolina 6, Fayetteville 5 Box Score and Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Hold On For Win Against Woodpeckers World, meet RHP Blake Whiting, the greatest escape artist since Harry Houdini. After bailing RHP Jeferson Figueroa out of a 2-on, nobody out situation while clinging to a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the 8th inning (fly out, walk – which created a force out opportunity), pop out, fly out), Whiting put himself in the most difficult of jams in the bottom of the 9th: HBP, single, HBP to load the bases with nobody out. How did Whiting respond on the road on this Mother’s Day?: three consecutive Ks, two called, one swinging. Woo hoo!! Who else helped Whiting get out of it to preserve the victory and series? Well, that would be C Blayberg Diaz in his only half-inning of work. Entering as a defensive substitute, Diaz corralled 4 pitches in the dirt (including 3 blocked strikes) to keep the Woodpeckers glued to the bases. Hours before that 8th and 9th inning drama, RHP Josh Timmerman (4 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 4 BB, 1 HBP, 1 WP, 5 Ks) had put in a solid start, while right fielder Kay-Lan Nicasia (2-for-2, HR, triple, 2 walks, RBI) and left fielder Yhoswar Garcia (2-for-4, triple, 2 RBIs, SB) provided most of the offense. Mudcats’ Extras: RHP KC Hunt had his first difficult outing of 2024, allowing his first earned run in his 17th inning of the season, ultimately conceding 3 runs while gutting out 2 2/3 innings. Figueroa’s a veteran in his 4th season of Low-A ball, so he’ll expect much better than his output on this day: HR, 3 walks, 1 K amongst 5 batters faced. C Victor Torres produced 2 hits and an RBI in his first start of 2024, before being pinch run for in the top of the 9th inning. 3B Miguel Briceno (2-for-4, double, RBI) also had another solid day to cap off a very productive week at the plate for him. Next week’s outlook: Carolina stays on the road, headed one hour southeast of Zebulon to play Rangers’ affiliate Down East, with 18-year old Manuel Rodriguez (2.67 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 8.0 K/9 in 27 IP) most likely to take the hill for the opening game. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Operation Restore Momentum will see the Brewers host the Pirates Monday evening, before the ACL Brewers play even later against the ACL Cubs. 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

And those strikeouts included at least 4 pitches in the dirt (including 3 blocked strikes). C Blayberg Diaz only entered the game for that half-inning, but he certainly played a role in the win. Cool!

Figueroa faced 5 batters: BB, K to end inning, HR, BB, BB. Blake Whiting comes in with 2-on, nobody out, clinging to a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the 8th inning.