Ro Mueller

Rehabbing LHP Aaron Ashby makes his second start for Wisconsin, whose playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. They need a home win today over Cedar Rapids to even this week's series 1-1. 3B Brock Wilken now has a .903 OPS in 129 High-A plate appearances, with 24 walks and 27 Ks.

This thread will be utilized for any minor league news Wednesday, lineup updates, etc.Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores

Yeah, Black can really motor. Gonna be fun to add Mitchell and Black (at some point) to the MLB lineup next season.

AA Biloxi plays at White Sox affiliate Birmingham this week, trying to beat out Montgomery for a playoff spot with 12 games remaining. RHP TJ Shook makes his 10th start (23rd appearance - 5.00 ERA with 95 Ks in 81 IP) of 2023. CF Jackson Chourio has a 14-game hitting streak.

The first place Mudcats’ final regular season series is at Red Sox affiliate Salem. RHP Jesus Rivero (3.44 ERA with 45 Ks in 34 Low-A IP) starts the opening game. LF Jace Avina (@BrewersPD August Player of the Month) returns to action after exiting Friday’s game early.

AAA Nashville hosts Cardinals’ affiliate Memphis this week, welcoming speedster CF Greg Allen (signed after Yankees’ release) atop the lineup. Rehabbing Julio Teheran looks to improve on his last start (2.1 IP, 4 ER).

High-A Wisconsin’s final series of the regular season is a 6-game homestand against Twins’ affiliate Cedar Rapids. We’ve won 8 games in a row, but need to keep it up to catch Peoria for a playoff spot. LHP Nate Peterson (3.34 ERA with 75 Ks in 70 IP) starts the opener. LF Hendry Mendez had 6 hits in his last 2 games.

Hopefully he’s encouraged by the seasons of Erceg, Chirino and Sibrian, so is interested to re-up.

It had better not come down to this (since Carolina holds a 3-game lead with 6 to play), but I assume that Carolina holds the tiebreaker over Lynchburg, on account of a 6-5 record against them this year. Unless they only look at games played in the second half of the season, in which case we’d lose the tiebreaker 2-1.

Was thinking Hernandez, but he’ll be entering his final season before free agency so we’ll probably go another direction. I figure we’re worried we’ve already broken Blalock, so maybe he’ll rest? - 5.27 ERA in 4 games, now on injured list. He also missed the entire 2022 season. Tough to know what the team is thinking, but I’d throw out Brian Fitzpatrick as a potential second starter.

Ernesto Martinez’s first inning grand slam held up for Biloxi, while 2023 first round pick Brock Wilken homered and reached base five times in Wisconsin’s victory. The Mudcats won behind Dylan O’Rae’s 3-hit day as they remain in position for a playoff berth, while Josh Donaldson debuted in Nashville’s defeat. Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic For the week, Biloxi and Wisconsin both swept their 6-game series. Carolina was also a series winner (4-2), while Nashville had a week to forget (1-5). Transactions: N/A Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Durham 6, Nashville 2 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 Drop Finale in Durham Nashville’s late season fade unfortunately continues, so they’ll undoubtedly be looking forward to a return home this upcoming week. Most eyes were on new signee 3B Josh Donaldson, who watched six pitches come and go in a 1st inning walk, then had two infield popouts before exiting after five innings. On the mound, RHP Janson Junk (5 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 6 H, 1 BB, 7 Ks; season ERA 4.41) gave up three extra base hits in the first three innings as the Sounds fell behind 4-2 and never recovered. Hopefully the Brewers’ pitching lab is able to work some magic with Junk this offseason, during which he’ll turn 28. Sounds’ Extras: C Payton Henry and right fielder Monte Harrison were the main offensive catalysts, combining on a 4-for-7 day with two doubles, a walk and two RBIs. As the article link detailed, DH Keston Hiura and INF Abraham Toro each extended their on-base streaks, but this was on a combined 0-for-5 day with three walks. Toro also stole two bases. Left fielder Jahmai Jones was a forgettable 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in the leadoff spot. In the bullpen: LHP Fernando Abad retired two of three hitters but a single allowed an inherited run to score, while LHP Darrell Thompson pitched a clean inning and RHP Thyago Vieira gave up a run on two singles. Next week’s outlook: Nashville (69-61) hosts Cardinals’ affiliate Memphis (64-68) this week, with RHP Evan McKendry the most likely opening game starter. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 7, Tennessee 3 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Martinez Grand Slam, Seven Innings from Myers Powers Biloxi to Sweep 24-year old 1B Ernesto Martinez (1-for-4, HR, 4 RBIs) has held his own since being promoted to AA Biloxi on August 7, playing excellent defense and coming into the game with a .262 AVG and .720 OPS at this level. That said, he was likely itching for his first home run and it came on a smoothly hit 1st inning grand slam, giving the Shuckers four runs before they’d even made an out. That’s the Shuckers’ seventh straight victory, but they need every one of them to keep pace with Montgomery for a playoff berth. Biloxi trails by a half-game with 12 games remaining, the last six of which will be a head-to-head series in Biloxi. You’ll see many more video highlights at the Biloxi Twitter feed. Shuckers’ Extras: Starting RHP Tobias Myers (7 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 7 Ks) started slowly, allowing the Smokies to claw back to 5-3 by the 3rd inning, then bore down to pitch four more scoreless innings – 93 pitches in total. Considering that this was his second start of the week (earning a Win on both occasions), this was a very encouraging outing, saving Manager Mike Guerrero from having to go to his hit-or-miss bullpen too early. The outfield of (left-to-right) Carlos D. Rodriguez, Jackson Chourio and Lamar Sparks had a fun day, together going 7-for-14 with 3 RBIs. Of course, they’ll want to do better on the basepaths next time (1-for-3 in stolen base attempts). Bullpen: While RHP James Meeker (1 scoreless IP, one infield single 2 Ks,; 3.39 season ERA) is auditioning for a role at AAA Nashville next season, RHP Cam Robinson (1 scoreless IP, 2 singles, 2 Ks) has 30 teams looking at him as he approaches free agency this offseason. Next week’s outlook: Biloxi (67-58) stays on the road, taking on White Sox affiliate Birmingham (46-80), with RHP TJ Shook the odds-on favorite to start in Tuesday’s opener. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 6, Beloit 3 Box Score / Game Log Via the Rattlers’ website, game details: Wilken Leads Rattlers to Eighth Straight Win Brewers’ brass have to like what they’re seeing from 2023 first round pick 3B Brock Wilken, as the 6’4” 21-year old appears entirely unfazed by his High-A posting: 4-for-4, HR, walk, 2 RBIs, 3 runs scored in this game to lift his season line (excluding ACL ball) to .307 AVG / .435 OBP / .465 SLG in 124 plate appearances. Of course, the two errors in the field were a downside in this game, but he’s done a respectable job to date of manning third base. You can watch highlights of his big day here. The win was necessary to remain three games back of red-hot Peoria for a playoff berth. Unfortunately, there are only six games left in the season and Peoria holds the tiebreaker advantage. Timber Rattlers’ Extras: Starting RHP Edwin Jimenez (7 IP, 2 R (1 ER), 5 H, 1 BB, 7 Ks) is another 21-year old that the organization has to be smiling about, knowing exactly what he’s giving them week-in, week-out. This was the fourth time that Mr. Jimenez reached thrown seven or more innings in his last six starts, three of which have yielded one earned run or less. Of course, the team would have expected to plate more runs on a 12-hit day with five extra base hits, but instead went 4-for-15 with runners in scoring position, stranding 12 baserunners. Multi-hit games abounded: left fielder Hendry Mendez (double, 2 singles, RBI), DH Matt Wood (two singles, RBI), right fielder Joe Gray Jr. (double, single, RBI), C Darrien Miller (2 doubles). Bullpen: RHP Tanner Shears (2/3 IP, 1 R) put himself into trouble by walking or hitting four of six batters faced in the 8th inning, but RHP Shane Smith bailed the team out with a 4-out Save: 1 1/3 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 BB, 1 K. Next week’s outlook: Wisconsin (58-66) comes home for its final series of the year, hosting Twins’ affiliate Cedar Rapids (80-46), with LHP Nate Peterson (2.91 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 11.4 K/9 in 43 1/3 IP) scheduled to start the first game of the series. You can bet that Manager Joe Ayrault will tell his players to treat these last six games as their playoffs. Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Carolina 7, Down East 2 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: O’Rae & Nicasia Lead Mudcats in Home Finale Victory Starting RHP Will Childers (5 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 3 Ks) and the Mudcats had their work cut out for them against Rangers’ number four prospect Brock Porter, so it had to feel great to grab a 1-0 lead which held up until the 5th inning. 19-year old center fielder Dylan O’Rae knocked that in that first run and was a thorn in the side of the Wood Ducks throughout: 3-for-4, RBI, run. Unsurprisingly, the big 6th inning came after Porter had departed after just 55 pitches, with O’Rae starting the five-run frame with a bunt single. C Jose Sibrian’s double gave Carolina its first lead at 3-2, then right fielder Kay-Lan Nicasia’s (2-for-3, triple, double, walk, 3 RBIs) two-run triple gave them healthy breathing room at 6-2. Mudcats’ Extras: The victory keeps the Mudcats atop the second half division standings, three games ahead of Lynchburg with six games left to play. This would be Carolina’s first playoff appearance in 13 years, so you can bet that the coaches and players will be raring to go next week. What an outing by the Carolina bullpen of RHPs Jose Chavez, Bayden Root and Blake Whiting: combined 4 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 7 Ks! Chavez also grabbed his third Win of the season. 18-year old 3B Juan Baez (1-for-2, walk, SF, RBI, SB) and left fielder Tayden Hall (1-for-2, walk) each reached base twice to help the cause. However, there was an injury delay when Hall was walked and replaced in the 5th inning, so we’ll have to watch his availability for next week. Next week’s outlook: Carolina (69-54) hits the road for its final series of the regular season, playing at Salem (in Virginia – 54-69 record) against the Red Sox’s affiliate. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. All teams are off on Monday, so enjoy Brewers-Pirates at 5:35 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

He’s hitting for a much higher average than I’d expected given all the talk about power, power, power at draft time.

Payton Henry, Chris Roller and Monte Harrison had consecutive hits to knot Nashville’s game 2-2. In their second time through, Josh Donaldson fouled off a pitch and popped out to first. Keston Hiura swung at the first pitch and grounded out.

Dylan O’Rae has 2 hits through 3 innings, the second of which drives in Tayden Hall for the first run of the game. Carolina 1, Down East 0, now in the 4th inning.

Josh Donaldson watched all 6 pitches in his first plate appearance. Then Keston Hiura watched all 5 in his own PA. Both walked, but the Sounds didn’t score. Trailing 2-0 already headed to 2nd inning.

Donaldson makes his first start for Nashville today, so I guess we can now predict how long before we’ll see him with the Brewers. Would we let him play against the Yankees (Sep 8-10)? We’re probably targeting Monday, Sep 11 at home against the Marlins.

Always tough to predict, but I’d think Hendry Mendez, Eric Brown Jr. and Adam Seminaris are decent bets. Quinton Low if healthy…

3B Josh Donaldson joins the AAA Nashville lineup, as they look for a win to salvage a 2-4 series loss at Durham. RHP Janson Junk (4.29 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 5.9 K/9 in 115.1 IP) pitches his 23rd game.

High-A Wisconsin can also complete a 6-game road sweep of Beloit with a win today, as RHP Edwin Jimenez (4.15 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 8.6 K/9 in 108.1 IP) makes his 6th straight Sunday start. 3B Brock Wilken has hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games.

AA Biloxi seeks to complete a 6-game road sweep of Tennessee, with RHP Tobias Myers ready to replicate his Tuesday output (6 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 0 BB, 7 Ks). CF Jackson Chourio’s hitting streak is 13 games, while INF/OF Isaac Collins apparently remains unavailable.

Low-A Carolina can clinch a 4-2 home series win over Down East with a victory today. RHP Will Childers (6.17 ERA in 54 IP) gets the start. 19-year old CF Dylan O’Rae and his 32-game on-base streak are back in the lineup.

True. Black, Campbell, Chourio, Clarke, Collins and Quero should all be positioned for AAA next year, while on the pitching side Carlos Rodriguez and James Meeker may be the only locks for promotion to Nashville.

Eric Brown Jr.’s 3-run blast keyed Wisconsin’s come-from-behind win. Jesus Chirinos’ grand slam supported a dominant Logan Henderson for Carolina. Lamar Sparks had two homers in Biloxi’s win, while Nashville lost badly. Image courtesy of Biloxi Shuckers & Joshua Sumrall - Lamar Sparks Pictured Transactions: RHP Colin Rea recalled by MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville RHP J.B. Bukauskas optioned to AAA Nashville from MLB Brewers 3B Josh Donaldson activated by AAA Nashville LHP Aaron Ashby sent on rehab to High-A Wisconsin Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Durham 10, Nashville 2 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 Bulldozed by Bulls It was an all-or-nothing start for LHP Eric Lauer (4 2/3 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 8 Ks), who struck out eight Bulls but also conceded three home runs in his 101-pitch effort, exiting with Nashville trailing 3-2. However, things only got worse from there, as LHP Alex Claudio and RHP Luis Contreras combined to allow seven earned runs in 3 1/3 innings of work. The loss marks the sixth defeat in the Sounds’ last seven games, quickly dissipating their playoff hopes. The team now sits tied for 9th place in the second half division standings, 4 ½ games behind the leaders with 19 games remaining on the season. Rehabbing 1B Jesse Winker grounded into a double play to end the top of the 1st inning, then immediately exited the game. Is he injured again, getting a surprise call-back to MLB or is this the last that we’ll see of him in the Brewers’ organization? Winker’s 20-day rehab stint is scheduled to end on Sunday. Sunday’s outlook: Recently-signed 3B Josh Donaldson is expected to make his organizational debut, while RHP Janson Junk is the scheduled starter. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 7, Tennessee 5 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Shuckers Hold On, Sparks Smashes Two Homers in Wild, 7-5, Win Right fielder Lamar Sparks (2-for-4, 2 HRs, walk, 4 RBIs) pushed the Shuckers out to a fast start with two homers and four RBIs in the first two innings, then Biloxi held on in a nervy 9th inning. 3B Zavier Warren (2-for-4, HR, double, 2 RBIs) also had a nice game and center fielder Jackson Chourio stole his 36th and 37th bases of the year. RHP Christian Mejias (5 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 3 Ks, 1 balk) put in a respectable start, while RHP Bo Bowman (first appearance since a July 8 injury) and Nick Bennett were solid in relief. After some struggles from LHP Luis Amaya and RHP Zach Vennaro, Tennessee had the potential game-tying runs on second and third base before Vennaro struck out the final hitter to earn his fourth Save of 2023. However, despite their sixth straight victory, the Shuckers actually fell a half game back in the playoff race as Montgomery swept a doubleheader. The two teams will face off in a 6-game regular season-ending series in Biloxi from September 12-17. Sunday’s outlook: RHP Tobias Myers gets the chance to lead Biloxi to a potential 6-game sweep of formidable Tennessee. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 7, Beloit 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Rattlers’ website, game details: Brown’s Seventh-Inning Blast Sends Wisconsin to Seventh Straight Win The final score is not indicative of how tense and competitive this game was, as the Timber Rattlers trailed 1-0 with two outs in the top of the 7th inning before right fielder Eduarqui Fernandez drew a walk and SS Eric Brown Jr. (4-for-5, HR, 3 RBIs, SB) smacked a 3-run homer on an 0-2 pitch to completely turn the tide. LHP Aaron Ashby had a mixed first rehab appearance, walking two and striking out two in just one inning of work. RHP Tyler Woessner then did the heavy lifting to give Wisconsin a chance: 5 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 3 BB, 7 Ks. RHP Nick Merkel was excellent over the final innings to grab his first Save in High-A ball: 3 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 Ks. Elsewhere, Peoria finally dropped a game, so the Timber Rattlers have clawed to within 3 games of a playoff spot. Unfortunately, there are only 7 games remaining on the season and the Chiefs hold the tiebreaker. Sunday’s outlook: RHP Edwin Jimenez aims to keep the streak and playoff dreams alive, as Wisconsin goes for a series sweep of Beloit and their 8th straight victory. Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Carolina 13, Down East 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Henderson Totals 10 Ks in 13-1 Defeat of Down East After a number of down-to-the-wire games, Carolina finally blew the doors off and cruised to a win, with 1B Jesus Chirinos (1-for-2, HR, 3 walks, 4 RBIs) providing the big breathing room via a 3rd inning grand slam. RHP Logan Henderson (6 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 0 BB, 10 Ks) returned to his customary domination, while the offense seemed to threaten every inning with 13 hits, 7 walks and an HBP. Even RHP Jeferson Figueroa made his mark with three hitless innings of relief and his first Save of 2023. The results look even better with Lynchburg losing its game, thus putting the Mudcats 3 games ahead of Lynchburg and 3 ½ games ahead of Fredericksburg in the race for a playoff spot, with 7 regular season games left in 2023. Don't miss the post-game interview with Manager Victor Estevez, which can also be found in the game story link above. Sunday’s outlook: RHP Will Childers gets the start as Carolina needs a victory to clinch a 4-2 series win over Down East and keep the two playoff chasers at bay. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Good luck to the four clubs in their series finales on Sunday! 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