Ro Mueller

DH Jesse Winker somehow reached on an infield single, then 3B Abraham Toro's second hit of the game brings him home and we've got a brand new ballgame: Nashville 1, Durham 1 going into the bottom of the 8th inning. C'mon Nashville!

Game One pinch-hit walk-off hero RF Luis Castillo starts the second game of today's Carolina-Down East doubleheader, with RHP Patricio Aquino (3.02 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 8.7 K/9 in 80.1 IP) on the mound for this 7-inning affair. Elsewhere, Lynchburg is up big in their game, so Carolina needs this win to grow their division lead to 3 games.

LHP Darrell Thompson's first action in 11 days is a struggle: 106mph single, K, two walks with pitches not close. But LHP Ethan Small bails him out, stranding all 3 baserunners (pop out, line out). To the 8th inning they go, Sounds still trailing 1-0.

Alexander Cornielle has struck out 6 Sky Carp through 3 innings, but back-to-back doubles in the 3rd inning allowed one run across. Timber Rattlers are down 1-0 going into the 4th inning.

Robert Gasser’s 88th pitch results in a ground ball double to left field that nearly scores an insurance run for Durham, but a Jahmai Jones - Patrick Dorrian - Payton Henry relay gets the runner at home. Hopefully that wakes up Nashville’s offense. We trail 1-0 going into the 7th inning.

Estevez goes all in, sending in his last two position player substitutes - Juan Baez to pinch run, Luis Castillo to pinch hit. Mudcats trail 3-2 with the bases loaded and one out. Drive these runs in!

Jeferson Quero hit his 15th homer to give Biloxi a 2-1 lead, though CF-Rod uncharacteristically coughed it back up. Shuckers trail 3-2 in the 3rd inning.

Can’t ask for more from Whiting: 2 innings, no hits, no walks, stranding the ghost runner twice. Now win this thing, ‘Cats.

Hey RHP Blake Whiting. Here, make your full affiliate debut in the top of the 9th inning with a man on second and nobody out.

Unfortunately, we have to wonder about Avina's health, after he was subbed out after striking out to end the 4th inning. He actually threw out TWO baserunners trying to stretch singles to doubles in the early innings. And he was hit by a pitch in the 2nd inning.

...and .127-hitting (.345 in the Arizona Complex League though) OF Reidy Mercado hustles out on infield hit to add another run. 2-0 Carolina. They're headed to the 7th and final scheduled inning.

Will Rudy pitched 2 innings of no-hit ball in his return from injury, then Yujanyer Herrera has kept Down East off the board for the next 4 innings as well. Unfortunately, we didn't score either...until now. Luke Adams leads off the bottom of the 6th inning with a double and Jadher Areinamo follows with a 1-out double to give the Mudcats a 1-0 lead. This is a 7-inning game. Win it men!

LHP Robert Gasser (3.85 ERA with 147 Ks in 119.1 IP) leads AAA Nashville in Game 3 of their series in Durham, while the team welcomes recently-acquired 26-year old CF Chris Roller to the lineup (.222 AVG / .373 OBP / .413 SLG in 327 PAs with the Columbus Clippers).

Otherworldly from Jadher Areinamo. Gonna be fun to see him make the majors one day:

AA Biloxi have won 4 consecutive games and seek a victory at Tennessee tonight to clinch this week's series. 21-year old RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez (2.73 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 11.4 K/9 in 105.1 IP) makes his 23rd start of the year. In addition to hitting his 20th homer yesterday, CF Jackson Chourio has an 11-game hitting streak.

The High-A Timber Rattlers aim to make it 6 straight wins tonight with Game 4 of their series in Beloit. RHP Alexander Cornielle (5.09 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 8.8 K/9 in 76 IP) gets the start. 3B Brock Wilken has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games.

The first game of today's pivotal doubleheader for Low-A Carolina at home against Down East sees the return of starting RHP Will Rudy (last pitched August 11; 3.57 ERA in 75.2 IP) and RF Kay-Lan Nicasia (last played August 17; .663 season OPS). Go Mudcats!!

Shoulda played PowerBall

Good points on the catchers' strengths and weaknesses. It will be interesting to see what the catching plan is for Low-A Carolina next year, but I'd guess we'll see a 4-way split between young Edgardo Ordonez, offense-first Satchell Norman (perhaps transitioning to OF), holdover Blayberg Diaz and undrafted Alejandro Rodriguez. Alongside Mogollon, I'd imagine that the club is encouraged by the progress of RHP Manuel Rodriguez (the youngest pitcher in the ACL (min. 25.1 IP) - 4.35 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, 34 Ks vs. 10 BB) and LHP Anfernny Reyes (41 Ks in 29.2 relief innings, 1.33 WHIP, 4.85 ERA).

OF Terence Doston activated from High-A Wisconsin's 7-day injured list (or the Development List, depending on what his official status was) LHP Justin King activated from High-A Wisconsin's 7-day injured list INF Jheremy Vargas placed on High-A Wisconsin's 7-day injured list RHP Will Rudy activated from Low-A Carolina's 7-day injured list C Jhonnys Cabrera transferred to Development List from Low-A Carolina

I wish I'd also highlighted the post-game interview with Carolina Mudcats' Manager Victor Estevez, which is also available in the recap link above. There's thoughts on Jose Sibrian's game management, Brian Fitzpatrick's fire, Jadher Areinamo's penchant for multi-hit games (39 now this year, leading the Carolina League), etc. Good stuff. Check it out!

Jackson Chourio joined the 20/20 club with a clutch 2-run blast for Biloxi. Joseph Hernandez led a near No-No for Wisconsin. Jose Sibrian’s big day powered Carolina and Caleb Boushley helped Nashville salvage a doubleheader split. Image courtesy of Biloxi Shuckers & Joshua Sumrall - Jackson Chourio Pictured Transactions: Signed 3B Josh Donaldson and assigned to AAA Nashville Signed OF Greg Allen and assigned to AAA Nashville Acquired OF Chris Roller from Cleveland (for cash considerations) and assigned to AAA Nashville LHP Darrell Thompson assigned to AAA Nashville from AA Biloxi (reversing move from 5 days earlier) RHP Julio Teheran’s rehab transferred to AAA Nashville from High-A Wisconsin Having joined the organization prior to September 1, each of Donaldson, Allen and Roller are technically eligible to be added to the Brewers’ postseason roster, if Milwaukee makes the playoffs. Donaldson’s 60-day injured list stint with the Yankees has apparently also re-set. While most of the focus is on Donaldson’s potential addition to the big league roster, don’t sleep on Allen (67 stolen bases in 73 attempts over the last three seasons in AAA/MLB, despite inconsistent playing time) potentially being a pinch running specialist. Game Action: Game One Final: Durham 9, Nashville 4 Box Score / Game Log Game Two Final: Nashville 4, Durham 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 Split Doubleheader in Durham As the recap report detailed, the Sounds led early in both games of this doubleheader, but only managed to hold one of the leads behind strong pitching from Game Two starting RHP Caleb Boushley (6 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 8 Ks). Manager Sweet will undoubtedly appreciate the length that Boushley was able to provide despite appearing in a relief role four days earlier. With the split, Nashville trails in the series two games to one and sits 2.5 games behind Durham and Lehigh Valley in the chase for a playoff berth. Unfortunately, the Sounds are presently tied for 9th place in the second half standings of the 20-team league, as it’s a 10-team race to the finish. Sounds’ Extras: Going beyond the box score, the noticeable absences of INF/OF Owen Miller (last played on Friday - .755 OPS in 81 August PAs in Nashville) and RHP Colin Rea (last pitched August 24 – 6 IP, 2 R, 6 Ks) make them the odds-on favorites to be added to the Brewers’ expanded September roster. Or will Jesse Winker (1-for-2, 2 walks – played first base) get the call back? Milwaukee’s starting pitcher for Saturday is still listed as TBD. The path back the big leagues this year may be looking more daunting for rehabbing RHP Julio Teheran (2 1/3 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 4 Ks) and RHP Jason Alexander (3 IP, 5 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 2 Ks). However, this was only Teheran’s second rehab start, so he may still turn things around. Other hitters on promotion watch: INF Abraham Toro (1-for-6, double, walk), OF/INF Jahmai Jones (1-for-6, walk), 1B/OF Keston Hiura (2-for-8, HR, RBI). Meanwhile, unsung INF Patrick Dorrian (3-for-7, double, RBI), C Brian Navarreto (2-for-3, HR, RBI), INF Cam Devanney (2-for-3, RBI, 2 SBs) and OF Monte Harrison (1-for-5, HR, walk, 3 RBIs) each had solid days. Credit the bullpen work of RHP Thyago Vieira (1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 Ks – 8th Save) and LHP Alex Claudio – threw just one pitch, but it resulted in an inning-ending double play to strand three inherited runners. Friday’s outlook: Scheduled starter LHP Robert Gasser (3.85 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 11.1 K/9 in 119 1/3 IP) looks for his tenth win of 2023, while all eyes will be on which two players are added to the Brewers’ big league roster. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 3, Tennessee 2 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Jackson Chourio Makes History, Bullpen Tosses Six Shutout Innings in Shuckers Win The superlatives may at times may feel a bit excessive for 19-year old center fielder Jackson Chourio (2-for-5, HR, 2 RBIs), but then he completely turns a game around with a two-run blast to right field on an 0-2 pitch while trailing 2-0. From there, the Shuckers held the momentum, with 3B Zavier Warren (2-for-3, HR, walk, RBI) adding a solo blast in the following inning to grab a lead and the Biloxi bullpen throwing six innings of shutout ball. The victory keeps Biloxi a half-game behind Montgomery in the race for a playoff berth. Shuckers’ Extras: Chourio’s blast picked up starting LHP Adam Seminaris (3 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 Ks, 1 WP), who needed timely strikeouts to strand three Smokies in scoring position over the first two innings. This was Seminaris’ second AA start since return from a 3-month injury, so let’s reserve judgment on the 24-year old who was acquired as part of the Hunter Renfroe trade. Back to the bullpen – let’s name names: phenomenal RHP James Meeker (3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 2 Ks, Win), solid RHP Ryan Brady (1 2/3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 2 Ks), clutch LHP Nick Bennett – struck out only batter faced to strand two baserunners, save-artist RHP Cam Robinson (1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 2 BB, 1 K, Save). Robinson toyed with the home Tennessee fans by walking the first two batters of the 9th inning, before dispatching the next three (strikeout, groundout, groundout). INF/OF Isaac Collins was a late scratch from the starting lineup, so we’ll need to monitor his status going forward, with right fielder Lamar Sparks shifting to the leadoff spot. Sparks and SS Freddy Zamora each had two singles in the game. Friday’s outlook: 21-year old RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez (2.73 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 11.4 K/9 in 105 1/3 IP) gets the start after his Sunday outing was rained out and canceled while facing the second batter of the game. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 5, Beloit 0 Box Score / Game Log Via the Rattlers’ website, game details: Wisconsin Makes It Five Wins in a Row with Near No-Hitter Suddenly, everything appears to be clicking for the Timber Rattlers, who won their fifth straight behind seven no-hit innings from starting RHP Joseph Hernandez (3 1/3 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 4 Ks) and RHP Stiven Cruz (4 2/3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 4 BB, 2 Ks, 1 balk). The question is whether they can catch Peoria for a playoff spot, as the Chiefs also won to remain four games ahead of Wisconsin in the second half standings. Wisconsin out-hit the Sky Carp 11-2 behind strong games from 2B Robert Moore (3-for-5, double, 2 RBIs, SB), C Matt Wood (3-for-4, double, SB) and SS Eric Brown Jr. (2-for-5, 2 RBIs). Timber Rattlers’ Extras: This was just Hernandez’s second High-A appearance and first High-A start since a late May injury. The 23-year old prospect was acquired from Seattle for RHP Justin Topa in the offseason and is presently in his sixth minor league season, setting him up for potentially aggressive promotions in 2024 before he’s eligible for free agency. Both teams struggled with runners in scoring position (Wisconsin 3-for-19, Beloit 0-for-7), but at least the Timber Rattlers had fun on the basepaths: 5 stolen bases, 0 caught stealing vs. 0 attempts for Beloit. RHP Tanner Shears will expect cleaner outings in the future after loading the bases with a double and two walks in the 9th inning, but he still dropped his season ERA to 1.35 and recorded two strikeouts. That gives the 24-year old independent league signee 70 Ks in just 46 2/3 innings pitched this year. Friday’s outlook: RHP Alexander Cornielle looks to build on a scoreless last start (5 IP, 0 R, 7 Ks) to keep Wisconsin firmly in the playoff chase. Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Carolina 7, Down East 4 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Sibrian Comes Through in the Clutch in 7-4 Victory Down East already wrapped up a playoff berth by winning the first half title, but they’re certainly not making it easy for Carolina to join them there. Thankfully, C Jose Sibrian’s (2-for-3, 2 doubles, HBP, 3 RBIs) clutch play was able to keep the game close (nabbed two runners on the bases to end the 3rd and 4th innings), then give the Mudcats their first lead with a two-out, bases clearing double in the bottom of the 6th inning. The victory pushes Carolina’s lead in the second half standings to 2.5 games over Lynchburg, with 10 games remaining for the Mudcats and 9 left for the Hillcats. Mudcats’ Extras: Starting LHP Brian Fitzpatrick (4 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 4 Ks) and RHP Yorman Galindez (4 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 6 Ks, 1 balk, Win) were solid in this tight contest, combining on 10 strikeouts. The 61 pitches from 6’7” Fitzpatrick were the most he’s thrown since joining the Brewers as a 10th round draft pick in 2022, as the 23-year old had to navigate some injury time. Each of 3B Luke Adams, 1B Jesus Chirinos and 2B Jadher Areinamo collected two hits, with Chirinos singling in the 4th inning to extend his on-base streak to 20 games and homering in the 8th inning for key insurance. Right fielder Luis Castillo was subbed out to start the 7th inning, so we’ll have to watch his availability. Sibrian is in his 8th year in the Brewers’ system and the 24-year old is a few years older than the average player in Low-A ball, but his .817 OPS and Carolina League-leading 40% caught stealing ratio are likely raising a few eyebrows around the league. Friday’s outlook: RHP Patricio Aquino (3.02 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 8.7 K/9 in 80 1/3 IP) is scheduled to start one of Friday’s doubleheader games, with the other starting pitcher yet to be named. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Good luck to all teams in the five minor league games on Friday, including the Mudcats’ doubleheader. 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

In the second game of AAA Nashville’s doubleheader in Durham, we have RHP Caleb Boushley (5.01 ERA in 116.2 IP) starting 4 days after a rare relief appearance. The team makes 3 lineup changes from the earlier loss: 1 - Jones - LF 2 - Black - 3B 3 - Hiura - DH 4 - Toro - 1B 5 - Henry - C 6 - Dorrian - 2B 7 - Devanney - SS 8 - Harrison - CF 9 - Campbell - RF X - Boushley - P