Ro Mueller

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.

The High-A Timber Rattlers play their penultimate game of the season at home against Cedar Rapids, looking to grab a 3-2 series lead. RHP Tyler Woessner (4.03 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 8.2 K/9 in 116 IP) wants to get his season ERA below 4.00 and collect his 7th Win. 3B Brock Wilken has a 13-game hitting streak.

AAA Nashville can clinch a series win tonight at home against Memphis. LHP Eric Lauer has been getting strikeouts but needs to limit runs (8.1 IP, 6 ER, 17 Ks over last 2 starts). DH/INF Abraham Toro has a 31-game on-base streak (including 4 Brewers' games).

The AA Shuckers need a victory tonight at Birmingham or risk falling 2.5 games behind Montgomery in the playoff race. RHP Tobias Myers (5.27 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 10.8 K/9 in 126.1 IP can extend his lead atop the Southern League strikeout board (151). RF Carlos D. Rodriguez is 13-for-25 in his last 6 games.

An Eric Brown Jr. special helped Wisconsin get two runs while down to their final out, giving them the walk-off 2-1 victory.

Let's make it 11 wins in a row, AA Biloxi (!!) - who plays at Birmingham while battling Montgomery for the second half Southern League South title with 9 games remaining. RHP Christian Mejias (6.85 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 9.3 K/9 in 111.2 IP) gets tonight's start. DH/C Wes Clarke (.865 OPS in 463 PAs) is tied with Keston Hiura and one behind Willy Adames for the organizational lead in home runs with 23.

Playoff-bound Low-A Carolina still has work to do to win this week's series in Salem, presently leading 2 games to 1. RHP Will Rudy (3.48 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 7.9 K/9 in 77.2 IP) makes his second start after a 3-week injury, having thrown two scoreless innings (35 pitches) in his last outing. 3B Luke Adams (.532 OPS in last 44 PAs) and SS Daniel Guilarte (.483 OPS in last 44 PAs) may need to break their recent slumps to earn upcoming playing time.

I'm jealous! The final High-A games for Brock Wilken, Eric Brown Jr., Robert Moore, Tanner Shears, Shane Smith, Tyler Woessner... Woessner and Aaron Ashby are the scheduled starters for now.

High-A Wisconsin can clinch a second half winning record (33-30, with 3 games remaining) with a home victory today over Cedar Rapids. RHP Alexander Cornielle makes his final appearance of an up-and-down year (4.94 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 9.1 K/9 in 82 IP). LF Terence Doston returns to action after a 20-day absence.

An update on Keston Hiura’s 4-game absence:

AAA Nashville can win a 4th straight game at home over Memphis as they seek to claw back into playoff contention, with 27-year old RHP Janson Junk (4.41 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 6.2 K/9 in 120.1 IP) getting today's start. DH Josh Donaldson returns after a rest day, likely needing to improve materially upon his 1-for-10 (single, 2 walks, 2 Ks) output to get the call-up to MLB.

If Ashby is truly healthy, and if they want him to face live hitting, then he might as well come up to Nashville. Sure, he'd likely get lit up, but he'd only be displacing like 1-2 innings of work for a slightly older player like Boushley, Alexander, Abad, Claudio or Teheran...

Yorman Galindez and Jesus Chirinos led Carolina to a playoff-clinching win, while Jackson Chourio joined the 20/40 club in Biloxi's 18-run barrage. Monte Harrison’s walk-off single capped Nashville’s rally from a six-run deficit and Wisconsin crushed Cedar Rapids. Image courtesy of Biloxi Shuckers & Mike Krebs - Jackson Chourio Pictured Transactions: C Brent Diaz activated by AAA Nashville INF/OF Noah Campbell placed on AAA Nashville’s 7-day injured list INF Ney Serrano released by ACL Brewers C Felipe Valderrama released by ACL Brewers INF Alexander Perez released by ACL Brewers As always, you'll find more information about the three departing players in our minor league transactions thread and we wish them all success in future endeavors. Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Nashville 7, Memphis 6 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 Erase Six Run Deficit, Walk Off Redbirds This is one of those memorable victories which can stay with players for a long time: down 6-0 in the bottom of the 7th inning, 5 ½ games out of a playoff spot with about 15 games to go on the season, the Sounds’ offense finally came alive, starting with a C Brian Navarreto walk, escalating with 1B Abraham Toro’s bases clearing triple and rightfully concluding with right fielder Monte Harrison’s walk-off single. Sounds’ Extras: LHP Robert Gasser (4 2/3 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 7 H, 3 BB, 5 Ks) had a strong first two innings (no runs, 2 Ks, one infield single, one outfield single), before giving up two runs on three hits in the third frame, then another two runs (one unearned) on two hits and two walks in the 4th inning. He’ll look forward to better outings over the final two weeks of the season. While Brewers’ brass obviously knows best, I’ll forever wish that Toro (playing first base in this game) had been given more opportunity to play infield in MLB while having a hot bat, similar to how OF Mark Canha’s bat makes his outfield play tolerable. Toro came through with a game-changing hit on Wednesday, threw out a runner at home in the 4th inning of this game to keep it a 4-0 scoreline, then had the clutch triple with 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th inning to even the score 6-6. Simply put, Mr. Toro knows how to win. Other notes: The Sounds’ patient offense drew 9 walks (three by center fielder Chris Roller, two by Jones, two by DH Josh VanMeter) and seven players collected at least one hit, with Harrison (3-for-5, RBI) having one of his best days of 2023. In the field, two errors (3B Tyler Black, left fielder Jahmai Jones) didn’t help the cause. And two of three bullpen arms conceded runs, with RHP JB Bukauskas (1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 0 Ks, Win) coming through with a three-up, three-down 9th inning as he aims to earn another shot with the Brewers. Friday’s outlook: RHP Janson Junk gets the start as Nashville seeks a series-clinching fourth straight victory. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 18, Birmingham 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Shuckers Tear Open Record Books for 10th Straight Win Biloxi let it be known far and wide that they intend to chase down Montgomery (winning elsewhere) for the final playoff spot, setting records across the board (runs, hits, etc.) as articulated in the article link above. Every Shucker notched as least one hit during this incredible performance. It’s an amazing day when you can strand 14 runners and not be sad about it, as Biloxi went 11-for-29 with runners in scoring position while plating 18 runs. SS Ethan Murray (4-for-5, double, walk, 2 RBIs) reached base five times, while OF Carlos D. Rodriguez (4-for-6, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs), C Wes Clarke (1-for-4, HR, 3 walks, 3 RBIs) and 3B Zavier Warren (3-for-5, HR, walk, 3 RBIs) reached base four times each. Catch this and many more video highlights from the offensive barrage at the Shuckers’ Twitter feed. Shuckers’ Extras: Of course, with Carlos F. Rodriguez (6 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 5 Ks) on the mound, this wasn’t necessarily the day that the team needed offensive records to be broken, but I digress. Rodriguez ran into minor trouble (for him) when the bases were loaded in the 1st inning with big stick Tim Elko (26 homers this year) at the plate, but he only needed four pitches to strike him out swinging. The game was 8-1 when Rodriguez handed over to the bullpen, but let’s not diminish their excellence: LHP Luis Amaya, RHP Ryan Brady and LHP Russell Smith combined on three shutout innings, conceding one hit, one walk and striking out five batters. It’s great to see the bullpen rounding into shape just in time for next week’s season-ending series against Montgomery. The article notes 19-year old center fielder Jackson Chourio (1-for-4, SB) joining the 20-40 club by stealing his 40th base, but doesn’t mention him being substituted a half-inning later. We trust that this was simply a breather for the teenage sensation. Friday’s outlook: RHP Christian Mejias gets the opportunity to lead Biloxi to an eleventh consecutive win, which they need in order to make up the 0.5 game deficit behind Montgomery. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 11, Cedar Rapids 6 Box Score / Game Log Via the Rattlers’ website, game details: Rattlers Get a Fast Start to Beat Cedar Rapids As always for home games, enjoy extensive video highlights and the insightful post-game podcast. Facing 82-46 (now 47) Cedar Rapids, the Timber Rattlers were undoubtedly aware that their early 7-0 lead may not be enough, thankfully adding pairs of runs in the 5th and 7th innings to keep the Kernels at bay. Credit C Matt Wood (2-for-4, 3 RBIs) for contributing in all facets: Singled in two runs to extend the lead to 3-0 with two outs in the 1st inning Threw out a baserunner when Cedar Rapids got two aboard to start the 5th inning When the Kernels cut the deficit to 7-5 in that rough 5th inning, Wood singled in another run in the bottom half to increase the lead back to 8-5 Timber Rattlers’ Extras: This was RHP Joseph Hernandez’s (4 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 4 BB, 0 Ks) third High-A start since injury, but the opposition still worked him into deep counts even while trailing big. In all, Hernandez threw 59 pitches as he continues to build up strength, but only 30 for strikes. RHP Stiven Cruz earned the Win, but his outing couldn’t have started worse, with each of the first four batters in the top of the 5th inning reaching base, the last on a home run. Make no mistake, however: Cruz gave his all in battling from there, not conceding hits to any of the next 15 batters he faced, even if five more walks were sprinkled in to ensure high drama. Eight Wisconsin players collected hits in the big offensive day, including three by left fielder Joe Gray Jr. and two by each of SS Eric Brown Jr., right fielder Hendry Mendez and Wood. 3B Brock Wilken added to his hitting streak (now 12 games) while collecting two more RBIs, as we continue to speculate on his possible promotion to AA Biloxi next week (fingers crossed). RHP Tanner Shears wasn’t credited with a Save, despite striking out four of six batters faced to close out the game. That gives the 24-year old 75 Ks in just 48 2/3 innings pitched this year, with a season ERA of 1.48 (although with 42 walks issued). Perhaps we should also be focused on him for potential promotion to Biloxi – or a trip to the Arizona Fall League?. Friday’s outlook: RHP Alexander Cornielle starts tonight, as Wisconsin strives to even their final series of the season 2-2. Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Carolina 5, Salem 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Win Second Half Title With 5-1 Victory Let’s start with the joy of reaching the postseason for the first time in 15 years, with right fielder Kay-Lan Nicasia making the final diving grab: The 5-1 final score doesn’t capture the tension of the game being scoreless through six innings, with both pitching staffs dominating up to that point. 20-year old starting RHP Yorman Galindez (5 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 9 Ks) was sensational, only allowing an infield single and two walks in his five innings of work. With so many young, wiry, speed-first players coming through the system, it was fun to see slightly beefier 1B Jesus Chirinos (3-for-4, double, 2 runs) and C Jose Sibrian (1-for-2, 2 HBPs, RBI) get big hits (or an HBP) in the 7th and 8th innings to break the scoreless deadlock and add necessary insurance runs. Don’t forget to enjoy the post-game interview with winning Manager Victor Estevez. The win clinches the Carolina League North second half title for the Mudcats, giving them a home playoff game against Down East on Tuesday next week before heading to the Wood Ducks’ home for two games. Victory in that best-of-three series would lead to another best-of-three against the Carolina League South winner. Yes, this means that four wins are required next week to capture the league title. Mudcats’ Extras: RHP Yujanyer Herrera entered in the 6th inning and grabbed the Win, but there was a nervous moment with the game 3-1 with two baserunners on in the bottom of the 7th inning which he escaped via flyout. RHP Chase Costello similarly faced some tension by walking two of three batters in the 8th inning, before Nicasia caught the second out and doubled a runner off base. RHP Bayden Root (just his 7th game as a Brewer) didn’t face any difficulty in retiring all three batters to close out the win. For Carolina, Chirinos has established himself as their most potent bat, collecting the team’s first hit in this game (4th inning single), but that made the end of the 6th inning all the more frustrating when 2B Jadher Areinamo was thrown out attempting to steal third base with Chirinos at the plate in the 0-0 game. Thankfully the Mudcats held firm and Chirinos’ 7th inning leadoff double got the offense going. It was truly a team effort, with seven Carolina players collecting hits, while those who didn’t hit still had key contributions: Nicasia walked and had two key defensive plays, left fielder Jace Avina had two walks, an RBI and a run scored. Friday’s outlook: RHP Will Rudy makes tonight’s start, with Carolina aiming to grab a 3-1 series lead. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Enjoy Friday’s 4-game Minor League slate, along with the Brewers returning to action in New York. 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

Ground out! K! Line out to right field! The Carolina Mudcats clinch their first playoff berth since 2008!! Pop the fruit juice and sparkling water!!!

Costello walked 2 of the first 3 batters, but got out of it unscathed. Now it’s RHP Bayden Root who enters with Carolina leading 5-1 in the 9th inning. THREE. MORE. OUTS!! THREE. MORE. OUTS!!