Ro Mueller

Nashville plays at 11am central time today, which is more than 2 days before the Brewers will likely announce a call-up for Friday’s home game. But let’s see whether Perkins or Frelick is conspicuously absent from the Nashville lineup today or Thursday evening (6:05pm central time start).

I think that the MLB taxi squad remains in effect (and will for many years), at least for MLB road games. This would explain the slightly over-loaded AAA roster (32 active at present, vs. 28 limit), as well as Janson Junk and Brian Navaretto not playing for several days. I suspect we’ll see a number of players move to the Development List by Friday, as the taxi squad returns, along with Payton Henry (recently outrighted) and JB Bukauskas (recently claimed) reporting.

The AAA Sounds have dropped three consecutive games and will spend this week at Marlins’ affiliate Jacksonville. Rehabbing RHP Adrian Houser starts the opening game, having thrown 30 pitches in his last outing (2 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 2 Ks). 1B Jon Singleton (.790 OPS in 53 PAs) has reached base in his last 10 games.

Low-A Carolina is in Kinston, North Carolina this week to battle Rangers’ affiliate Down East. 19-year old RHP Patricio Aquino gets his second start at this level (4 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 Ks last time out). DH/3B Luke Adams (.286 AVG / .524 OBP / .643 SLG through 21 PAs) has an 11-game on-base streak (including 6 games in 2022).

The AA Shuckers are in Rocket City (outside of Huntsville, Alabama) this week to take on the Angels' affiliate. Starting LHP Adam Seminaris looks to bounce back from a rough first start (4 2/3 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 6 Ks). 3B Tyler Black has a terrific slash through 7 games (.286 / .483 / .619).

High-A Wisconsin has won 3 games in a row and takes on Royals' affiliate Quad Cities this week, with LHP Russell Smith (2 2/3 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 5 Ks in last outing) getting his first start of 2023. RF Joe Gray Jr. (.344 AVG, .932 OPS in 37 PAs) comes in riding an 15-game on-base streak (carrying over 7 games from last year).

Clint Coulter, our 2012 first round pick, could actually earn his first MLB call-up (with the Giants). Once a catcher, now a 29-year old corner outfielder, he’s got a 14-game hitting streak and 19 RBIs in AAA Sacramento already.

In a reversal of early season form, the lower levels recorded two wins but Nashville and Biloxi fell. Aussie Alex Hall belted two no doubter homers, part of five blasts on the day. Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic Wisconsin won their first series, 4-2 over Peoria, while Carolina’s victory salvaged a 2-4 series loss. Biloxi will rue their missed chances, as their close defeat left them with a 3-3 tie against Pensacola. Nashville dropped its third straight game, also ending up level 3-3 against Norfolk for the week. Game Balls go to Aidan Maldonado, Alex Hall, Tyler Woessner, Tyler Black and Jesus Chirinos. Let’s also give a shout out to Carolina’s 19-year old SS Gregory Barrios, who ended his season-opening 0-for-27 skid with a single to center field, then followed it up with a triple for good measure. Transactions: RHP Elvis Peguero recalled to MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville (replacing injured RHP Gus Varland) Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Norfolk 7, Nashville 1 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 Sunk by Tides on Sunday The final score doesn’t do this game justice, as Nashville was one good swing from turning the tables over the first six innings. But give credit to Norfolk for scratching and clawing their way to runs until the Red Sea parted. The tight 2-0 game went sideways when the Tides’ catcher battled RHP Cam Robinson for a 12-pitch walk with one out in the top of the 7th inning. Another walk, a wild pitch, then an “everybody safe” fielder’s choice (take the out next time Eddy Alvarez) brought LHP Bennett Sousa into the game. Sousa conceded a little league 3-run homer (single, Blake Perkins error), then an actual blast to put the Sounds in a 7-0 hole. Three Quick Strikes: RHP Pedro Fernandez (3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 3 Ks) deserved better than to be tagged with a loss, starting his second game in four days after exiting Thursday’s game early with a hand issue. He and RHP Tyson Miller (3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 1 K) were both solid in keeping their team close over six innings. OF Sal Frelick walked, singled and flied out twice, but his average is just .196 (OPS .548) as he waits for more balls to land for hits. At the other end of the spectrum, INF/OF Keston Hiura lowered his K rate with a GIDP, two fly outs and then his 6th homer of 2023. Hiura’s OPS is an amazing 1.065 through 49 plate appearances. Three more errors (Miller, Perkins, Andruw Monasterio) won’t make Brewers’ brass or Manager Rick Sweet happy. The 7,106 Nashville fans in attendance deserve better baseball! Next week’s outlook: RHP Adrian Houser is expected to make his second rehab appearance, having thrown 30 pitches in his first outing, as Nashville (8-7) travels to Marlins’ affiliate Jacksonville (7-7) for the week. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Pensacola 4, Biloxi 2 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Tyler Black Homers in Three-Hit Day, Shuckers fall to Blue Wahoos in Series Finale Chalk this up as a game which got away. An early 2-0 lead ended up being a 4-2 defeat, in part due to three runners getting caught on the basepaths and an error which led to an unearned run. Starting 23-year old RHP Justin Jarvis (5 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 1 WP, 5 Ks) took the loss, but was solid for his second consecutive start. 2B Ethan Murray (0-for-4) may be struggling a bit early with the bat (.200 AVG, .400 OPS), but this is a heck of a defensive play: Three Quick Strikes: The error and unearned run both went to LHP Darrell Thompson (2 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 3 Ks), though he still retains his early season 0.00 ERA. 22-year old 3B Tyler Black (3-for-4, HR, 2 RBIs) is a real pro, putting early season bad luck (0-for-10 with 3 Ks and 4 walks) behind him. His first inning homer was his second of the year and his season OPS is now 1.102 through 29 plate appearances. Development is a huge part of minor league decision making, with winning seeming secondary at times. But that doesn’t explain sending a runner to his demise at home when trailing 4-2 with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning. INF/OF Isaac Collins had drawn his second walk of the game, then OF Jackson Chourio (1-for-4, double; .189 AVG; .690 OPS) came through with a 2-out double to center field which would have brought up the aforementioned Black. Instead, Collins was a dead duck at home and Biloxi never threatened again. Here's Black’s impressive power: Weekend Pregame Audio Interviews: Tyler Black and Bullpen Coach Josh Spence Next week’s outlook: The Shuckers (5-4) travel to Angels’ affiliate Rocket City (6-3), with 24-year old LHP Adam Seminaris (4.2 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 6 Ks in his first game) scheduled to start the opener. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 5, Peoria 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Wisconsin Pops Peoria 5-1 to Win Series Also find Youtube highlights from Wisconsin’s exceptional media team here: The Timber Rattlers bounced back exceptionally well from consecutive one-run losses earlier in the week, winning three games in a row for a 4-2 home series victory. The team only managed four hits today, but three of them were home runs (C/OF Alex Hall x 2, DH/1B Jesus Chirinos x 1), with four out of five runs coming home via long balls. Winning 23-year old RHP Tyler Woessner (5 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 8 Ks) was hit around a bit in the first two innings (two singles, double), but got stronger as the game progressed, striking out six of the final seven batters he faced. Three Quick Strikes: Have the Brewers unearthed something special in 2022 undrafted 24-year old RHP Ryan Brady (3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 2 Ks – 1.13 ERA through 8 IP), similar to Peter Strzelecki a few years back? Skipping the Low-A level after just 4 innings pitched at Arizona Brewers Blue in 2022 looked like an aggressive placement, but he’s quickly rewarding the Brewers faith and turning heads. Having 22-year old C Darrien Miller (0-for-2, 2 walks, SB) repeat High-A ball was likely a difficult off-season decision, but his 12% caught stealing rate in 2022 and 13% in 2021 likely factored heavily. That’s why it’s so uplifting to see Miller throw out all three attempted basestealers on Sunday, lifting his early season rate to 33%. Keep it up! SS Eric Brown Jr. (0-for-4) had looked like the missing ingredient in the Timber Rattlers’ season-opening 2-1 series loss last week, but he wasn’t able to contribute much in his first week of action either (.115 AVG, .294 OPS through 28 PAs). We look forward to seeing Mr. Brown turn it around soon. Next week’s outlook: Wisconsin (5-4) goes on the road to take on Royals’ affiliate Quad Cities (3-5), with 24-year old LHP Russell Smith (2 2/3 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 0 BB, 5 Ks in his first game) expected to start the series opener. Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Carolina 7, Salem 0 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Ride Early Rally to 7-0 Finale Shutout The expected pitchers’ duel never materialized, as the Mudcats erupted for seven runs on seven hits in the first inning. All of the runs were unearned(!), as the frame had opened with back-to-back errors and a groundout. All nine Carolina batters reached base in this game, as the squad coasted to a shutout victory. Three Quick Strikes: While the spotlight is rightfully on 22-year old RHP Aidan Maldonado (3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 Ks) for a stellar second outing, every Mudcats pitcher is feeling good after this game: RHP Jeison Pena (1 IP, 0 R), RHP Alexander Vallecillo (3 IP, 0 R, 2 Ks), RHP Tanner Shears (1 IP, 0 R, 2 Ks), RHP Shane Smith (1 IP, 0 R, 1 K). In a recent interview, Maldonado mentioned that the Brewers had spoken to him in the 12th round about likely selecting him, ultimately picking him in the 14th round. Well, the team must be ecstatic about grabbing 3B Luke Adams (1-for-4, double, walk, RBI, SB) in that 12th round ($282,500 signing bonus), then still getting Maldonado thereafter. 18-year old Adams’ athleticism has me thinking of Joey Wiemer – 6’4” specimens who can launch balls into orbit and cover ground too. After swiping his third stolen base of 2023 today, Adams now has 12 stolen bases in just 16 career games played. SS Gregory Barrios (2-for-5, triple, RBI, SB) batted twice in the first inning, reaching on an error and grounding into an RBI force out, thus extending his hitless streak to start to the season to 0-for-27. Undeterred, the 19-year old lined a first pitch single into center field in the 3rd inning, then tripled to center in the 5th inning. He’s now up to a .067 AVG and .227 OPS, but the former $1 million signing (in Chourio’s January 2021 international class) is undoubtedly breathing a sigh of relief. Next week’s outlook: The Mudcats (3-5) travel to Rangers’ affiliate Down East (5-3) for the week. The Game One starter is not yet listed, though any of RHPs Jeferson Figueroa, Patricio Aquino or Tyler Wehrle could get the call. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report! Relax on the Monday travel day before action resumes on Tuesday. 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

RHP Elvis Peguero recalled to MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville (replacing injured Gus Varland)

- C Brent Diaz activated by AAA Nashville from Development List

Definitely didn’t have this on my Bingo card: - Bryse Wilson (MLB) - 1.00 ERA in 9 IP - Jake Cousins (AAA) - 19.29 ERA in 2.1 IP Cousins will figure it out eventually. Tipping my cap to Bryse Wilson, Matt Arnold and the coaching staff

Two of his homers were on low pitches and look like this:

Uribe’s smoking gun celebration! 😁🤣

INF Josh VanMeter activated from AAA Nashville's 7-day injured list OF Skye Bolt placed on AAA Nashville’s 7-day injured list RHP Adrian Houser sent to AAA Nashville on rehab assignment

Brewers affiliates won two of five games on Thursday, including a doubleheader split for Biloxi and frustrating losses for Wisconsin and Carolina. Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic Game Balls go to Keston Hiura, Blake Perkins, Zavier Warren, Lamar Sparks and 18-year old Luke Adams, who crushed his first home run at the Low-A level. Transactions: RHP Colin Rea's contract selected by MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville RHP Janson Junk optioned to AAA Nashville from MLB Brewers C Payton Henry designated for assignment. If he clears waivers, the Brewers can outright him to keep him in the minors INF Patrick Dorrian activated by AAA Nashville from Development List RHP Jacob Misiorowski activated by Low-A Carolina from Development List RHP Fernando Olguin transferred to Development List from Low-A Carolina Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Nashville 5, Norfolk 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 Topple Tides for Third Straight Triumph The Sounds won their third game in a row despite losing scheduled starting pitcher RHP Colin Rea to promotion (congrats), left fielder Skye Bolt after two innings and replacement starting RHP Pedro Fernandez (2 IP, 2 R, 1 H, 4 BB, 0 Ks, 1 balk) to a hand injury after loading the bases with nobody out in the third inning. After falling behind 2-1 in that third inning, hot-hitting OF Blake Perkins (2-for-4) and INF/OF Keston Hiura (1-for-3, HR, walk, 2 RBIs) immediately responded in the bottom half with a single and 2-run blast, respectively. Hiura now has four home runs and 9 RBIs in the young 2023 season. Nashville would not require any further runs, as the shutdown bullpen of RHP Luis Contreras, RHP Cam Robinson, LHP Bennett Sousa (in his Brewers’ debut) and LHP Clayton Andrews (earning the save) was up to the task, covering seven scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts. Three Quick Strikes: RHP Luis Contreras (3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 4 Ks) did very well to only allow two inherited runners to score in that third inning, inducing two weak grounders (one for a hit), a sacrifice fly and striking out one, before continuing with two scoreless innings and earning the win. Yay, outfield defense. Boo, infield defense. Bolt and Perkins helped out Sounds pitchers by throwing out three Tides on the basepaths – a runner at home in the 1st inning, another at third base in the 4th inning and the final one at second base in the 6th inning. But in the infield, Hiura and Eddy Alvarez each recorded a throwing error, as the team awaits the return-to-health of Cam Devanney and Josh Vanmeter. The balls may not yet be dropping for OF Sal Frelick (.209 AVG, .571 OPS), but the contact remains decent so the hits will come. He hit two line drives in four at-bats in this game, the latter a single in the 7th inning which finally put him on base. He and Alvarez then orchestrated a double steal, inducing a Norfolk error for a 4-2 lead. Frelick ultimately scored on a Jon Singleton RBI single for the final margin. I don’t know who taught this tagging Norfolk runner to look behind him while running home, but we thank him/her: Friday’s outlook: After Janson Junk and Colin Rea were called up for MLB starts, then Fernandez exited Thursday’s game early, I suspect a bullpen game may be in store on Friday. Will Manager Rick Sweet call on LHP Alex Claudio to cover the first 2-3 innings? Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Game One Final: Biloxi 6, Pensacola 4 Box Score / Game Log Game Two Final: Pensacola 6, Biloxi 2 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Shuckers, Blue Wahoos Split Doubleheader The Shuckers and Blue Wahoos made up for Wednesday’s rainout with a doubleheader which featured a particularly eventful opening game. Starting RHP Tobias Myers (4.2 IP, 4 R, 8 H, 0 BB, 5 Ks) wasn’t able to replicate his sizzling opening day victory, but he kept the squad in the game until OF Noah Campbell (2-for-3, RBI) and SS Freddy Zamora (1-for-3, double, 2 RBIs, SB) came through with clutch RBI hits in the bottom of the 6th inning to turn a 4-2 late deficit into a 6-4 victory. The night cap saw the official debut of LHP Adam Seminaris (4.2 IP, 5 R, 7 H, BB, 6 Ks), who was a key piece of the Hunter Renfroe trade. Unfortunately, he wilted after four innings of respectable work, allowing five of the first six batters to reach base in the 5th inning to see a 1-1 game quickly turn into a 5-1 deficit. At least Tyler Black collected his first hit of 2023, an opposite field homer: Three Quick Strikes: LHP Darrell Thompson and RHP Abner Uribe are quite the 1-2 punch at the back end of the bullpen, combining to cover 2 1/3 scoreless, hitless innings to close out the opening game win. 1B/3B Zavier Warren is seeing the ball well, reaching base in four of six plate appearances on Thursday, including a 2-run homer which started the comeback in the opener. His OPS is up to .947 (small sample alert). OF Lamar Sparks (signed in the offseason after a season in independent ball) is also justifying the organization’s faith in him, leading off both games and reaching base six times in eight opportunities (two doubles, a single, three walks). His OPS is a terrific 1.078. Friday’s outlook: Off-season free agent signing, 23-year old RHP Christian Mejias is set to make his first start in the Brewers’ organization, after conceding four runs in two innings of relief in his debut. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 4, Peoria 3 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Chiefs Edge Rattlers A day after giving a game away, Wisconsin once again leaves disappointed and feeling that they could have done more, dropping to 2-4 on the season. However, there was at least some decent post-game news, as Manager Joe Ayrault clarified that a scary ankle injury to promising OF Hendry Mendez has him listed as “day-to-day”. Three Quick Strikes: The mood soured quickly in this game, as Mendez injured his ankle when caught stealing to end the first inning, followed by the Chiefs grabbing a 2-0 lead a few batters later. Although the Timber Rattlers matched Peoria’s seven hits, they really only threatened in the 5th inning. Starting RHP Joseph Hernandez (4 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 2 HBP, 4 Ks) dealt with traffic in three of his four innings, clearly struggling on his pitch location. The second inning saw a double, RBI triple and RBI double hit back-to-back-to-back, each pulled to the corner outfielder. Hernandez clearly has immense talent, but there’s a reason the 22-year old is still at the High-A ball in his sixth year of minor league baseball. Although his numbers are decent thus far (.278 AVG, .992 OPS), this game still constitutes a missed opportunity for DH/1B Ernesto Martinez’s to earn his anticipated promotion to AA, going 0-for-4 while stranding five runners on base, including grounding out with 2-on, 1-out in the bottom of the 5th inning after OF Terence Doston’s RBI single brought the team to within 3-2. Friday’s outlook: RHP Cam Wagoner (4.50 ERA in 4 IP) is scheduled to make his second start, as the Timber Rattlers aim to end their 2-game losing streak. Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Salem 7, Carolina 6 (in 10 innings) Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Salem Sends Mudcats to 7-6 Loss in Extras The positives from this game were the successful Low-A debut of highly-regarded 2022 second round pick RHP Jacob Misiorowski, who started the game and retired all three batters that he faced, along with 18-year old 3B Luke Adams’ maiden home run at this level. We now have videos to prove that Misiorowski’s 101mph heat is glorious and the 3-time National Punt, Pass & Kick Champion Adams has incredible athleticism for his size. Other than that, this Carolina-Salem contest was a not-so-classic game of “He Who Blunders Last”, as the Red Sox out-hit the Mudcats 11-5, but kept Carolina in the game with untimely walks and having three players thrown out on the basepaths. After RHP Jeison Pena (2/3 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 0 Ks; 22.50 ERA) struggled yet again to put the team behind 5-2, the Red Sox promptly threw the Mudcats a lifeline by walking three of the first four batters in the bottom of the 7th inning. A subsequent balk even gave Carolina a 6-5 lead, which held up until a game-tying home run off RHP Shane Smith to open the 9th inning. The final blunder went to the Mudcats however, who should have tied the game with 2-on and nobody out in the bottom of 10th inning on a Luke Adams (2-for-4, HR, walk, RBI) single. Instead, ghost runner 2B Jadher Areinamo stopped at third base and C Matthew Wood was caught between second and third base for the first out of the frame. Areinamo then watched helplessly as OF Hedbert Perez flied out to shallow left and two-way player Quinton Low (0-for-4, walk in his position player Low-A debut) popped out to end the game. Three Quick Strikes: It’s crazy that 18-year old Adams is the team’s principal offensive threat at the moment. The team desperately misses OF Luis Castillo (out with an injury that’s thankfully not long-term) and 1B/C Tayden Hall (exited Tuesday’s game early). Also, OF Jace Avina had been expected to provide key offense, but he’s hitless through five games and ended up exiting this game on a hit-by-pitch in the final inning. Let’s hope he’s not sidelined. Other than Misiorowski, only RHP Edwin Jimenez (5 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 5 Ks) truly acquitted himself well in this game, covering five innings to give time for the offense to come around OR Salem to allow the team back in it. Back to the lack of hitting, 19-year old SS Gregory Barrios may have the glove for this level, but his 0-for-22 start at the plate must be a cause for concern. Thankfully, he’s only struck out seven times, but he’s also not drawn a walk. Manager Victor Estevez seriously has his work cut out for him in the early going this year. Friday’s outlook: RHP Yujanyer Herrera (0.00 ERA through 3 IP) is scheduled to try to right the ship, as Carolina will make their fourth attempt to win a home game. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report! 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

RHP Jacob Misiorowski activated by Low-A Carolina from Development List RHP Fernando Olguin transferred to Development List from Low-A Carolina

RHP Colin Rea's contract selected by MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville RHP Janson Junk optioned to AAA Nashville from MLB Brewers C Payton Henry designated for assignment. If he clears waivers, the Brewers can outright him to keep him in the minors INF Patrick Dorrian activated by AAA Nashville from Development List

RHP James Meeker activated by AA Biloxi from Development List RHP Robbie Baker activated by AA Biloxi from Development List RHP Justin Yeager placed on AA Biloxi's 7-day injured list RHP Zach Vennaro placed on AA Biloxi's 7-day injured list

- RHP Alexander Vallecillo activated by Low-A Carolina from Development List - C Johnnys Cabrera transferred to Development List from Low-A Carolina

In addition to Leoni De La Cruz (mentioned above), a number of other ex-farmhands have recently signed or switched clubs in independent ball: Trevor Tietz – Gateway Grizzlies Arnaldo Hernandez – Frederick Baseball Club Robbie Hitt – Sussex County Miners Jon Beymer – Evansville Otters Noah Zavolas – York Revolution JT Hintzen – York Revolution Nate Peden – Frederick Baseball Club Freisis Adames – Sussex County Miners Jesus Lujano – Chicago Dogs Patrick Weigel – Kansas City Monarchs Nick Belzer – New Jersey Jackals Peyton Long – Rocky Mountain Vibes John LaRossa – Missoula Paddleheads Franklin Hernandez – Quebec Capitales Rodrigo Benoit – Generales de Durango Mitch Ghelfi – Charleston Dirty Birds Wilber Perez – Empire State Greys

Erceg, Andrews, Miller and Peguero give us four intriguing, seemingly MLB-capable relief arms in AAA. I hope Erceg doesn’t have an early opt-out!

Hats off to Arnold (Anderson, Winker, Contreras, Miley, Varland, Junk, Tyson Miller, Perkins, Peguero) and Counsell (he clearly wanted Turang and Wiemer up). Keep it up!!!

Spencer Michaelis has given us some excellent content regarding 20-year old two-way playing Mudcat RHP/1B Quinton Low, who covered two scoreless innings in Carolina’s opening game victory: