Ro Mueller

From @Smichaelis9: “Armed with a mid-90’s fastball and a sharp curveball that he often goes to as his “out’ pitch, Smith also mixes in a cutter that shows good shape and life as well. He may also be mixing in a slider, but it’s very possible that those are just cutters that are generating a bit more movement than average.”

1B Owen Miller’s first plate appearance for Nashville since being optioned 3 days ago is a 3-run homer in the 1st inning, scoring Blake Perkins (double) and Abraham Toro (walk). 3-0 Sounds lead early!

2022 first round pick SS Eric Brown Jr. makes his first start in AA ball and rehabbing LHP Aaron Ashby gets the start, as Biloxi needs a home victory over Montgomery to avoid being put on the brink of elimination from the playoffs. 3B Brock Wilken aims to homer for the 3rd consecutive game.

AAA Nashville targets a 3rd straight win in Charlotte, with RHP Janson Junk (4.46 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 6.0 K/9 in 125 IP) making tonight’s start. 3B Abraham Toro’s on-base streak is up to 34 games (including 4 games in MLB).

The Low-A Mudcats face an elimination game, down 1-0 in their best-of-3 series and playing at Down East tonight. RHP Patricio Aquino (2.75 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 8.8 K/9 in 88.1 IP) gets the start and the squad has 3 lineup changes from Game 1: Luke Adams, Daniel Guilarte and Luis Castillo, replacing Hall, Barrios and Nicasia.

Wiemer’s 3 for his last 33 with 13 Ks. Doubt we’ll see him hit in many critical situations going forward. Just tough at the moment with Yelich and Canha dealing with niggling injuries.

AAA Sounds’ play-by-play announcer @JeffHemPBP sums up notable features of today’s lineup as they kick off this week’s series in Charlotte. I’ll add that Nashville trails St. Paul by 1.5 games for the International League West’s 2nd half crown, though that wouldn’t equate to a playoff berth. Keston Hiura apparently remains out (right elbow discomfort).

Sounds' head trainer Jeff Paxson named International League Athletic Trainer of the Year. Again, that's for the 20-team International League.

The Mudcats face formidable 20-year old RHP Brock Porter in this opening game: 2.47 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 12.3 K/9. They also played him 9 days ago (that's actually his last outing), scoring 1 run on 3 hits in 4 innings. He's been exiting at about 55 pitches in recent starts, but had gone as high as 74 pitches earlier. But offensively, most of Down East's top performers were promoted to High-A, helping explain their 29-37 second half record. RF Quincy Scott (.856 OPS), CF Blackmon (.669), LF Villarroel (.602), DH Piotto (.699), C Moller (.619), 3B Figuereo (.623), 1B Calarco (.491), 2B Hurdle (.531), SS Cueva (.591).

Low-A Carolina plays their first playoff game since 2008, hosting Rangers' affiliate Down East in Game One of their best-of-3 Division Series. 21-year old RHP Logan Henderson (in 12-team Carolina League: 5th in ERA - 2.75, 2nd in WHIP - 0.97, 10th in K/9 - 12.1) gets today's start. 1B Jesus Chirinos (.899 OPS - 2nd in league) powers the offense, which includes two slight surprises (Juan Baez > Luke Adams at 3B, Gregory Barrios > Daniel Guilarte at SS). Go Mudcats!!!

Hopefully the offense comes through in the playoffs: - DH/1B Jesus Chirinos - 2nd-best OPS in 12-team Carolina League (.899) - C Jose Sibrian - 10th-best OPS (.839). Also highest CS rate in the league (39%) - LF Jace Avina - 11th-best OPS (.815) despite a terrible first half - 3B Luke Adams - 15th-best OPS (.801). Stole 30 bases in 40 attempts - 2B Jadher Areinamo - 27th-best OPS (.740). League leader in doubles. Stole 16 bases in 21 attempts. Terrific fielder - CF Dylan O’Rae - .439 OBP with 16 stolen bases in 20 attempts in just 23 Low-A games - 1B/DH Tayden Hall - .406 OBP - 40 walks vs. 41 Ks in 49 games - SS Daniel Guilarte - .750 OPS in 33 games before getting injured. .608 OPS in 25 games after return. Stole 26 bases in 34 attempts - RF Kay-Lan Nicasia - .679 OPS. Stole 27 bases in 34 attempts. 10 outfield assists

26-man playoff roster. We’re already at 28. Figure we add a pinch runner (Mitchell or Greg Allen), Houser and a more capable left-handed reliever (Lauer), which puts us at 31. Would need to DFA/option/assign 5 guys before first round (assuming we make it), e.g. Anderson, Chafin, Vieira, Rea, plus whoever joins to replace a sadly injured player between now and then.

We've got inside information on the Minor League Transaction Thread about the expected promotion of RHP Shane Smith to AA Biloxi for the final week of the season (and follow-on playoff series, if they qualify), with possibly SS Eric Brown Jr. joining him. No word yet on either 3B Brock Wilken or RHP Tanner Shears. I'd previously expressed a hope that EBJ would be promoted to AA (but figured the opportunity had passed), since he's so dangerous on the bases (38 of 43 in stolen base attempts this year) and solid in the field. We really just need him to get on base more (.364 season OBP)!!

We selected Collins in the Minor League portion of the Rule 5 draft, so my understanding is that he basically remains on our 7-year minor league course, of which this is his 5th season. So we can expect Collins to be a staple of the Sounds' lineup in 2024 and 2025. Given his age (26), relatively limited pop and where he plays (447.2 IP in LF, 183.2 at 2B, 40.0 elsewhere), I think he's going to need a AAA OBP of .410 to get a shot in MLB, but we'll pull for him all the way!

Early offense and solid late relief were themes throughout Sunday. Biloxi won its 12th game in 13 tries to remain in playoff contention, while Wisconsin concluded its season with a 4-game winning streak. Elsewhere, Josh VanMeter powered Nashville to a win and Carolina was rained out. Image courtesy of Biloxi Shuckers & Mike Krebs - Jackson Chourio Pictured For the week, all affiliate levels were series winners: Nashville (5-1), Biloxi (5-1), Wisconsin (4-2) and Carolina (4-1). Transactions: N/A Game Action: Final: Nashville 10, Memphis 7 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review the affiliate write-up as part of their Link Report routine: Sounds Hold On To Win Over Memphis The Sounds again demonstrated their resiliency, this time coming back from an early 3-0 deficit, getting clutch hits and pitching when needed to hold on for this 10-7 victory and 5-1 series win. DH/3B Tyler Black (1-for-4, double, walk, RBI) and SS Cam Devanney (2-for-5, double, 3 RBIs) knocked in three runs to get Nashville back in the game, then 2B Josh VanMeter (1-for-3, HR, walk, 3 RBIs) clobbered the 2-out, three-run homer to blow the game open in the 5th inning. Sounds’ Extras: Recently-acquired 26-year old right fielder Chris Roller (1-for-4, walk, 2 RBIs) played a pivotal role in the turn-around, nabbing a runner to help starting RHP Julio Teheran (5 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 5 Ks) out of a rough 3rd inning, then successfully over-turning a 3-2 strike call to walk and commence the Sounds’ three-run rally in the bottom half of the inning. Roller’s in his seventh minor league season, so he’s headed to minor league free agency unless he re-signs with the Brewers (like Andruw Monasterio and Lucas Erceg last offseason). A big credit goes to LHPs Darrell Thompson and Clayton Andrews, who combined on four scoreless relief innings: 4 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 5 Ks. We can’t say the same for LHP Fernando Abad, who failed to retire any of six batters faced, with Andrews successfully stranding two Abad baserunners (despite entering with nobody out) to preserve the 10-7 advantage in the 8th inning. With twelve games remaining on the season, the Sounds may not catch Durham (5.5 games ahead in the 20-team International League), but Nashville can certainly capture the International League West second half title (presently trailing St. Paul by just 1.5 games). Next week’s outlook: The Sounds (74-62) head to Charlotte (49-89) to face the White Sox affiliate, while the St. Paul Saints play at the Iowa Cubs. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 8, Birmingham 3 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Shuckers Tie Franchise Record with 40th Road Win, Take Series Finale Against Barons Utility man Isaac Collins (DHing this game – 1-for-2, HR, 2 walks, 2 RBIs) smacked the first pitch of the game for a home run, then 2B Ethan Murray (2-for-4, triple, double, 3 RBIs) came through with a two-run triple (2nd inning – 3-0 lead) and an RBI double (8th inning – back to 7-3) to help Biloxi keep pesky Birmingham at bay and clinch a 5-1 road series win. More difficult to see in the box score is the big advantage Biloxi had defensively. Murray threw out a baserunner trying to grab an extra base at third on an infield single to end the 4th inning, keeping the score 4-2, then center fielder Jackson Chourio caught a runner at second base to avoid a two-on, nobody out situation in the 6th inning. For the game, the Shuckers had zero errors, while the Barons committed three. Shuckers’ Extras: RHP TJ Shook (5 1/3 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 5 Ks) retired the first six batters he faced before conceding three runs on six hits over the next 3 1/3 innings pitched. We’re likely to see him on the mound again on Friday or Saturday next week. Credit the fine bullpen work of RHP Ryan Brady, LHP Nick Bennett and RHP Zach Vennaro: 3 1/3 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 3 Ks. Solid offense: Every spot in the Biloxi lineup reached base, with seven batters producing their eight hits, seven of which were extra-base hits. The team also drew nine walks – three by SS Freddy Zamora. Chourio’s 22nd homer of the year was an opposite field solo shot. C Wes Clarke (1-for-3, double, 2 walks) reached base three times to lift his season OPS to a lineup-leading .876. Next week’s outlook: Biloxi (72-59, 38-24 in second half) returns home for the playoff-determining final series of the year, hosting red-hot Montgomery (76-56, 40-23 in second half). The Shuckers must win at least 4 of 6 games in the series to make the playoffs. LHP Adam Seminaris is the most likely starter for Game One, although there’s an outside chance that RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez starts on five days’ rest. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 8, Cedar Rapids 5 Box Score / Game Log Via the Rattlers’ website, game details: Rattlers Close Out 2023 with 8-5 Win over Kernels As always for home games, enjoy extensive video highlights and the insightful Mehring-Lobner post-game podcast – it’s 18 minutes, 50 seconds with Manager Joe Ayrault for the final session of the year. After two tough losses at the beginning of this series eliminated Wisconsin from playoff contention, the team has to feel great about regaining focus and winning four in a row against league leaders Cedar Rapids. In this game, with the top of the order struggling, the Timber Rattlers’ 4 through 9 batters came through to produce all of their 11 hits, led by center fielder Eduarqui Fernandez (3-for-3, walk, RBI, SB) and left fielder Terence Doston (2-for-4, double, 2 RBIs). Timber Rattlers’ Extras: RHP Edwin Jimenez (4 2/3 IP, 4 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 5 Ks) did an exceptional job to escape the 2nd and 3rd, nobody out situation that he inherited from starting LHP Aaron Ashby in the 2nd inning (ground out, two Ks), but then ran into difficulties of his own in his final three innings, exiting with an 8-5 lead and the potential game-tying run at the plate in the top of the 6th inning. RHPs Miguel Guerrero and Nick Merkel locked down the game from there, with Guerrero stranding two inherited baserunners and Merkel earning his fourth save of the year. They combined on a line of 3 1/3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 4 Ks. Rehabbing LHP Aaron Ashby made his second start in five days, throwing just 19 pitches while conceding a solo home run, double and walk amongst his six batters faced. In a word, “No”, Mr. Ashby is not ready for a return to Major League Baseball, at least from the results that I’m seeing. If the Brewers want to replace LHP Andrew Chafin (8.71 ERA) in their bullpen, the pickings are not exactly ideal: Mr. Abad (12.46 ERA in AAA), Clayton Andrews (43.20 ERA in MLB), Eric Lauer (4.18 ERA in 8 AAA starts, though he’s struck out 45 of 127 batters faced) or Ethan Small (2.89 ERA in AAA). Each of SS Eduardo Garcia (double, single, RBI, SB), 1B Ben Metzinger (two singles, RBI), C Darrien Miller (single, walk, RBI) and right fielder Hendry Mendez (single, walk) ended their seasons on solid notes. Next week’s outlook: The Timber Rattlers have played their final game of 2023, but we’ll be watching for possible promotion(s) to AA Biloxi for select players – e.g. 3B Brock Wilken, relief RHPs Tanner Shears and Shane Smith. Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Cancelled: Carolina at Salem Via the Mudcats’ website, rain details: Regular Season Finale Cancelled in Salem Although the game was canceled and therefore all statistics were extinguished, the Mudcats actually played three innings of unfocused baseball behind starting RHP Will Childers (3 runs, 1 earned) before the rainout, committing three errors and trailing 3-0. In the end, those innings serve as a timely reminder to play better in next week’s playoffs! Next week’s outlook: The best-of-three Division Series against Down East commences on Tuesday with a Carolina home game in Zebulon, NC, before they head 72.6 miles to Kinston, NC for one or two more games. The series winner would face the champion of the Carolina League South in another best-of-three series. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Minor league teams are off on Monday, so good luck to the Brewers at home against the Marlins at 6:40pm CST. 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

Yeah, pretty interesting that on the day most MLB Brewers fans want to see Chafin cut, the organization's external answer as a possible replacement for him (Fernando Abad) gets lit up in Nashville. Maybe we should revisit the whole Lauer super-reliever idea which the organization didn't appear interested in earlier. Ashby's progress doesn't look promising. Andrews won't likely get another chance this year. I doubt they can imagine Ethan Small on the playoff roster...

Nashville blows it open with a 5-run 5th inning, capped by Josh VanMeter’s 3-run blast. Sounds lead 8-3!

The AA Shuckers need to win today at Birmingham to keep Montgomery in their sites, as they battle for a playoff berth. RHP TJ Shook looks for another strong start (6 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 3 Ks on Tuesday). C Wes Clarke leads Brewers’ minor leaguers in homers (24).

At least RHP Edwin Jimenez looks sharp: 2 hitless innings thus far, 4 Ks. Wisconsin leads 5-1 through 3 innings on 8 hits. Terence Doston has a double, single and 2 RBIs.

AAA Nashville aims to polish off a 5-1 series win at home over Memphis, with rehabbing RHP Julio Teheran making his 2nd start of the week. C Brian Navarreto delivered the walk-off single in yesterday’s win.

Low-A Carolina’s regular season ends today at Salem, before a best-of-3 division series from Tuesday next week. RHP Will Childers (5.95 ERA with 42 Ks in 59 IP) gets the start. SS Daniel Guilarte returns to the lineup after exiting Friday’s game early on an HBP.

High-A Wisconsin’s final game of 2023 sees them with a chance to defeat league leaders Cedar Rapids 4-2 in this week’s home series. Rehabbing LHP Aaron Ashby makes his second start of the week. 18-year old CF Luis Lara (.286 AVG / .373 OBP / .359 SLG with 30 SBs) plays the ignitor role.