Ro Mueller

Biloxi pitchers struck out 14 batters in their series-clinching win. Robert Moore’s big day went for naught for Wisconsin, while Shane Smith helped the Carolina escape with a series split. Image courtesy of BrewerFanatic Sunday Game Balls go to Carlos F. Rodriguez, Shane Smith, Robert Moore, Lamar Sparks and Jesus Parra. Nick Bennett and newcomer Darrell Thompson also had big days in Biloxi’s impressive 2-hit shutout. For the week, Nashville (3-3) and Carolina (1-1) split their respective series, while the Shuckers came out winners (2-1) and Wisconsin lost a tight one (1-2). All four full season affiliates will return home for six games starting Tuesday, including home openers for Biloxi, Wisconsin and Carolina. Transactions: LHP Bennett Sousa acquired from Reds for cash and international bonus money, then assigned to AAA Nashville RHP Tyler Herb placed on AAA Nashville’s 7-day injured list RHP Luis Contreras activated by AAA Nashville from Development List Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Memphis 6, 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 Settle For Series Split With Sunday Loss in Memphis A win would have given Nashville their second straight series win, but unfortunately this game went off the rails from the word “go”. Starting RHP Robert Stock (1 IP, 5 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 3 HBP, 1 WP) hit the leadoff batter in the bottom of the first inning, conceding three runs in the frame on an array of singles, walks and a wild pitch. After a game off, Keston Hiura (1-for-4, HR, RBI) manned first base, pulling a run back in the 2nd inning with his second homer of 2023, but Stock’s nightmare worsened as the first four batters reached in the bottom of the second inning. Entering with the bases loaded and nobody out, RHP Luis Contreras did well to only allow one inherited runner to score. However, Contreras then allowed a run of his own via a walk and RBI double in the bottom of the 3rd inning, as the Redbirds built their unassailable 6-1 lead. The loss meant the teams spilt the series 3-3. This game wasn’t remotely competitive, partly evidenced by Nashville going 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position, versus Memphis going 2-for-17 in this department. Seven Sounds pitchers saw action, with LHP Clayton Andrews and RHP Elvis Peguero probably the most impressive (combined 1.2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 3 Ks). LHP Ethan Small also struck out three batters after allowing a double. Three Quick Strikes: After seeing action in the majors four straight seasons (2018-2021), then throwing 165 IP in Korea last year, 33-year old Stock is clearly a capable pitcher, but he needs to right his 2023 ship in a hurry. He has two losses and a 24.30 ERA, retiring just 10 of 25 batters that he’s faced. OF Sal Frelick had his second straight 0-for-4 game. We’re not likely to see many slumps for the 22-year old, so the bright side is that this is happening in AAA, not MLB. He still has only three strikeouts in 35 plate appearances, so the plus contact rate remains. Not only did Memphis outhit Nashville 8-3, they also ran the Sounds ragged: 6-for-6 in stolen base attempts against four pitchers, including two swipes of third base. Trust C Payton Henry and other Sounds’ catchers to be on a mission to improve next week. This week’s outlook: The Sounds (5-4) return home to face Norfolk (7-1), with RHP Caleb Boushley (1.42 ERA in 6 1/3 IP) scheduled to make his third start of 2023. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 4, Mississippi 0 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Carlos Rodriguez, Nick Bennett, Darrell Thompson Pave Way to 4-0 Shuckers Win It wasn’t exactly Super Bowl-level hype, but we were certainly psyched for 21-year old RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez’s debut in AA ball and he did not disappoint, retiring 10 of the first 11 batters he faced, including five consecutive strikeouts during one stretch. Pulled after 66 pitches, he struck out eight hitters in four innings of scoreless work, only yielding a single and three walks. After putting three runners on base in the first two innings but failing to score, the Shuckers’ offense came through with clutch two-out extra base hits in the top of the 3rd inning: OF Lamar Sparks RBI double, 3B Zavier Warren RBI triple, OF Tristen Lutz RBI double. The 3-0 lead was more than Biloxi’s stellar hurlers would require on Sunday. Led by Rodriguez, LHP Nick Bennett (credited with the win) and LHP Darrell Thompson, Biloxi dominated the Braves in all facets of the series-clinching game, striking out 14 batters, outhitting them 8-2, limiting them to one at-bat with runners in scoring position (0-for-1) and throwing out their only basestealer (well done C Jeferson Quero). The win gave the Shuckers a 2-1 series victory. Three Quick Strikes: Seven dominant starts in High-A ball last year was sufficient for the Brewers to give 21-year old Nicaraguan Rodriguez the quick promotion to AA. His only difficulty was with a tight strike zone, issuing three walks on full counts, the last loading the bases in the bottom of the 4th inning. He didn’t back down, however, striking his final batter swinging on four pitches. Sparks’ third inning double was his first hit in affiliated baseball since September 2021, as the former fifth round pick spent 2022 in independent baseball following a release by the Orioles. These kinds of performances (2-for-4, double, walk, RBI, SB) will likely earn him more playing time. Speaking of independent ball, Darrell Thompson must be the organization’s resident expert on the subject. A 2016 graduate of Shenandoah University (Virginia), Thompson spent 2016-2022 playing for four independent clubs in four different leagues! What a debut for this “young” man (he’s actually 28): 2 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 BB, 4 Ks). Let’s keep an eye on his progress and Nick Bennett as well (3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 Ks). Most of Rodriguez’s strikeouts came on high heat. Here's the call on the last one: This week’s outlook: Biloxi (2-1) has its first home series of the year, hosting Pensacola (1-2). RHP Justin Jarvis (3.83 ERA in 141 IP last year) is expected to make his first start of 2023. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Beloit 5, Wisconsin 4 (in 10 innings) Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Beloit Tops Wisconsin in the Tenth for a 5-4 win The Timber Rattlers and Sky Carp battled hard in this series-deciding game, with Wisconsin falling just short, particularly hampered by going 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position and also having two runners caught on the basepaths. Seventh-year minor leaguer 1B Ernesto Martinez (1-for-2, HR, 2 walks, RBI) opened the scoring with an opposite field solo blast in the 2nd inning before starting RHP Stiven Cruz (4 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 Ks) found trouble in the bottom half in conceding two runs on two singles, a walk and a sacrifice fly. SS Robert Moore (2-for-4, HR, double, walk, 2 RBIs) immediately responded with a deep 2-run blast to center field in the top of the 3rd inning, his first homer of 2023, followed by a Joe Gray Jr. RBI double for a 4-2 lead. Cruz settled down for the next two innings, not allowing any runners past first base, but normally-reliable RHP Brannon Jordan was hit hard in one inning of work: 2 runs on 2 doubles and 2 singles, with the game only remaining tied 4-4 thanks to a Sky Carp baserunner returning to third base due to a ground rule double. Independent league signing RHP Kaleb “Bo” Bowman only got to throw two pitches in his organizational debut, giving up a walk-off single to right field to the only batter he faced in the bottom of the 10th inning. Three Quick Strikes: RHPs Joey Matulovich and Taylor Floyd were terrific in keeping Wisconsin in the game with their relief work, combining to cover four scoreless innings (4 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 4 Ks, one balk, one pick-off by Matulovich). OF Je’Von Ward collected his first hit since August 2021 with a leadoff double in the 9th inning, but was unfortunately stranded as the team followed with a sacrifice bunt, 2-0 pop-up to the catcher, then Moore striking out on the 9th pitch of a gutty at-bat. Interpreting hints on Twitter can be difficult, but it seems clear that the team expects 2022 first round pick SS Eric Brown Jr. to join the lineup this week. This week’s outlook: The Timber Rattlers (1-2) head back to Appleton for their home opener, with Peoria (0-3) coming to town. 2022 first round draft pick SS Eric Brown Jr. is expected to make his 2023 debut and RHP Tyler Woessner (1.17 ERA in 7 2/3 IP in 2022) is scheduled for his first start of the season. Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Game One (Resumption) Final: Carolina 5, Fayetteville 3 (in 10 innings) Box Score / Game Log Game Two Final: Fayetteville 7, Carolina 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Open With Split in Fayetteville In a continuation of Friday’s rain-suspended game from the top of the 6th inning with the score tied 1-1, Carolina immediately knocked in two runs for a 3-1 lead on a 1B Tayden Hall single, 3B Daniel Guilarte RBI single and 2B Jadher Areinamo sacrifice fly. However, the Mudcats regretted failing to take advantage of inning-opening walks in the 8th and 9th innings when RHP Jeison Pena fell apart in the bottom of the 9th inning, allowing the first four batters to reach and tie the game 3-3 with two on and nobody out. With another nine innings to play in the second game of the day, Manager Victor Estevez appeared set to allow Pena to wear this one, but C Matthew Wood caught a foul tip strikeout for the first out before Jeison hit his second batter of the inning to load the bases. In trotted RHP Shane Smith (1 2/3 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 BB, 0 Ks) for his season debut and his very first pitch was a grounder to Areinamo, which triggered a 4-2-3 double play great escape! Some typical low minors ugliness by the Woodpeckers in the 10th inning (two errors, hit-by-pitch to give Mudcats a 5-3 lead in the top half; ghost runner caught stealing in the bottom half) helped Smith earn a deserved win. Highlights can be difficult to find on the road, but Carolina’s media team came through: 19-year old RHP Yujanyer Herrera (3 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 4 BB, 4 Ks, 1 WP) started the nightcap, which was scoreless and hitless through three innings. However, the game was all Woodpeckers from there, as they managed to get seven runs across despite going 3-for-16 with RISP while stranding 10 runners. The Mudcats were even worse in the clutch department, going 1-for-11 with RISP while stranding 12 on the basepaths. The second contest was a game of debuts, as RHPs Chase Costello and Tanner Shears (both independent ball signings) made their first official appearances, along with 2022 eighth round draft pick LHP Nate Peterson. Peterson was hit hard, tagged with the loss after giving up 5 runs on 6 hits in 2 innings of work. RHP Nick Merkel also saw his first action in Low-A, striking out the first two batters before giving up two runs on two hits and a walk in the 8th inning. Here's Areinamo helping Costello throw a clean inning: Three Quick Strikes: We weren’t sure how serious the Tayden Hall catching experiment was after he never featured as the starting catcher in any of the spring training lineup cards (thank you @BrewersPD), but he was the man behind the plate for nine innings on this night. Statistically, he allowed three passed balls and two stolen bases, while his pitchers also threw three wild pitches. We know the 6’4” Hall can hit (3-for-7, 2 walks, RBI over two games), but it’s to-be-determined whether he catches or plays first base. We do our best to read the tea leaves in spring training, but those snippets were telling me that 20-year old 1B Jesus Parra was likely on his way out the door, as he was given the “last-gasp treatment”, starting a number of ST games with the AAA/AA squads, after coming off an 8 BB / 47 K season with ACL Brewers Gold last year. However, Parra beat the odds to make the opening day Mudcats’ roster and continued his resurgence this evening: 2-for-3, 2 doubles, walk, stolen base. Herrera and Shears must have drunk some magic potion to not yield any runs. Herrera put runners on 2nd and 3rd with nobody out in the bottom of the 1st inning (2 walks, wild pitch), yet escaped. Shears gave up three walks, hit a batter, threw a wild pitch and gave up a stolen base, all in the bottom of the 7th inning, but escaped, helping himself with a pick-off. This week’s outlook: The Mudcats (1-1) will host Salem (1-2) for six games. Although no starting pitcher has been named for the home opener, possibilities include RHPs Patricio Aquino, Fernando Olguin or Tyler Wehrle. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report! Rest up on Monday’s Minor League off-day before 24 games over six days starting 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

- LHP Bennett Sousa acquired from Reds for cash and international bonus money, then assigned to AAA Nashville - RHP Tyler Herb placed on AAA Nashville’s 7-day injured list - RHP Luis Contreras activated by AAA Nashville from Development List

RHP Jake Cousins activated from AAA Nashville's 7-day injured list RHP Luis Contreras transferred to Development List from AAA Nashville RHP Mario Perez released by ACL Brewers Blue C Jose Sibrian transferred to Development List from High-A Wisconsin RHP Ryne Moore placed on High-A Wisconsin's 60-day injured list LHP Brian Fitzpatrick placed on Low-A Carolina's 60-day injured list LHP Pablo Garabitos placed on Low-A Carolina's 60-day injured list RHP Arielbi Gonzalez placed on Low-A Carolina's 60-day injured list RHP Delson Guzman placed on Low-A Carolina's 60-day injured list RHP Rosmel Reyes placed on Low-A Carolina's 60-day injured list INF Alberis Ferrer placed on Low-A Carolina's 60-day injured list LHP Josh Shapiro placed on Low-A Carolina's full season injured list

To comply with maximum roster limits, it looks like C Jose Sibrian was likely moved to the Development List, since he’s absent from yesterday’s Game Notes: https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/fl_attachment/milb/nwmrnlwq5lu5wgesvuae.pdf

Based on this updated roster announcement, it’s likely that RHPs Jacob Misiorowski and Alexander Vallecillo have been placed on the Development List (e.g. to comply with max roster limits). Details to follow. https://mailchi.mp/carolinamudcats.com/rosterupdate-1543317

We can never have enough Timber Rattlers' season previews:

It was a bad day to be a Brewers’ 21-year old, right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic who had not yet made a stateside debut, as all four released players fit this profile, including two who had ERAs below 3.00 last season. Good luck to each of these young men as they seek their next opportunity, whether in baseball or elsewhere: Jeral Vizcaino – An international free agent signing in June 2022, Vizcaino was dominant in 2.5 months of DSL game action: 1.46 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 9.2 K/9, .191 AVG against, 38 K/13 BB in 37 IP (5 starts in 12 games). While he was 1.4 years older than his average competition, this hardly seems enough of a reason to release him at this time. Perhaps there are other circumstances (health, family, career choices, etc.) that we’re not privy to. Nelson Cuevas – The Brewers signed Cuevas in April 2019. Working purely as a reliever, he produced a 2.79 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 9.3 K/9 in 48 1/3 IP over his past two campaigns in the DSL, unfortunately not quite earning the call state-side. Gregory Baez – Signed in May 2021, Baez worked in relief in the DSL, stacking up an impressive strikeout tally this past season (36 Ks in 25.2 IP). However, Gregory’s ERA (5.61) and WHIP (1.68) in 2022 were not as encouraging. Waldin Rodriguez – Signed in January 2021, Rodriguez registered a 5.79 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 9.2 K/9 last season in DSL relief work, winning three games and earning three saves.

Here’s the lineup for tonight’s exhibition game against Pearl River Community College:

RHP Jeral Vizcaino released by DSL Brewers-2 - shocker, given 1.46 ERA in 37 IP last year. But I guess he's 21 years old already and there are perhaps other details which we don't know RHP Gregory Baez released by DSL Brewers-1 RHP Nelson Cuevas released by DSL Brewers-2 RHP Waldin Rodriguez released by DSL Brewers-2

Experimenting in the Southern League: https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb-to-test-a-new-enhanced-grip-baseball-in-the-southern-league-in-2023-011149254.html

Agreed. Let’s get the calls right and then let the players play.

Manager Victor Estevez once again has a number of young players on his roster, 17 of which aren't yet of legal drinking age. Here's the roster based on their Opening Day (April 7, 2023) ages: 24 - Nick Merkel, Jakob Brustoski 23 - Tanner Shears, Nate Peterson, Shane Smith 22 - Chase Costello, Tyler Wehrle, Aidan Maldonado, Miguel Guerrero, Jeferson Figueroa, Matthew Wood, Fernando Olguin 21 - Eduarqui Fernandez, Edwin Jimenez, Jacob Misiorowski 20 - Kay-Lan Nicasia, Jhonnys Cabrera, Alexander Vallecillo, Jesus Parra, Quinton Low, Jeison Pena, Tayden Hall, Blayberg Diaz, Hedbert Perez 19 - Patricio Aquino, Jheremy Vargas, Jace Avina, Yujanyer Herrera, Daniel Guilarte, Jadher Areinamo 18 - Gregory Barrios, Luke Adams

It looks like Manager Joe Ayrault will have a rather experienced roster, bolstered in part by a number of respectable players who find themselves repeating in High-A. I'll break down players on the roster by age: 25 - Kaleb "Bo" Bowman, Joey Matulovich, Taylor Floyd, Justin King 24 - Brannon Jordan, Luis Amaya, Russell Smith, Jose Sibrian, Ryan Brady 23 - Max Lazar, Alex Hall, Ernesto Martinez, Ben Metzinger, Karlos Morales, Je'Von Ward, Tyler Woessner, Joe Gray Jr., Jose Acosta 22 - Joseph Hernandez, Micah Bello, Michele Vassalotti, Terence Doston, Eric Brown Jr., Darrien Miller 21 - Cameron Wagoner, Jesus Chirinos, Alexander Cornielle, Stiven Cruz, Robert Moore 20 - Eduardo Garcia 19 - Hendry Mendez

That's too bad to hear about Arielbi Gonzalez, who remarkably and deservedly made it from mid-season international free agent signing (June 2021) to Low-A ball in under 15 months. Wishing a full recovery for the 20-year old

Promoted to Low-A Carolina from ACL Brewers Blue: RHP/1B Quinton Low, INF Daniel Guilarte, LHP Nate Peterson (2022 draft pick making debut), RHP Nick Merkel, C Jhonnys Cabrera, C Matthew Wood Promoted to Low-A Carolina from ACL Brewers Gold: OF/INF Kay-Lan Nicasia, C Blayberg Diaz, 3B Luke Adams, RHP Patricio Aquino, INF Gregory Barrios, LHP Jakob Brustoski, RHP Aidan Maldonado (2022 draft pick making debut), 1B/3B Jesus Parra, RHP Tyler Wehrle, RHP Shane Smith Assigned to Low-A Carolina from High-A Wisconsin: RHP Miguel Guerrero, 1B/C Tayden Hall Assigned to Low-A Carolina: RHP Tanner Shears (independent league signing), RHP Chase Costello (independent league signing) Promoted to High-A Wisconsin from ACL Brewers Blue: RHP Ryan Brady Promoted to High-A Wisconsin from Low-A Carolina: INF Eric Brown Jr., INF Robert Moore, RHP Cameron Wagoner, C Jose Sibrian, 1B Jesus Chirinos, C Alex Hall, OF Hendry Mendez, RHP Michele Vassalotti, RHP Tyler Woessner, RHP Max Lazar Assigned to High-A Wisconsin from AA Biloxi: OF Terence Doston, RHP Taylor Floyd Assigned to High-A Wisconsin: OF Je’Von Ward (injured since August 2021; last played in High-A), LHP Luis Amaya (MILB free agent signing; last played in High-A), RHP Joseph Hernandez (acquired in Justin Topa trade; last played in Low-A), RHP Kaleb Bowman (independent league signing) Promoted to AA Biloxi from High-A Wisconsin: C Jeferson Quero, INF/OF Tyler Black, OF Carlos D. Rodriguez, RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez Assigned to AA Biloxi: LHP Adam Seminaris (acquired in Hunter Renfroe trade; last played in AAA), RHP Tobias Myers (MILB free agent signing; last played in AAA), RHP Justin Yeager (acquired in Esteury Ruiz trade; last played in AA), INF Isaac Collins (selected in MILB portion of Rule 5 Draft; last played in AA), RHP Christian Mejias (MILB free agent signing; last played in High-A), OF Lamar Sparks (independent league signing), LHP Darrell Thompson (independent league signing)

I was worried about Small’s 13.50 ERA in spring training, but maybe he was just pulling a Lauer. If he’s accepted the shift to the pen and concentrates on perfecting his best pitches, he could end up being the fireball lefty that our MLB bullpen presently lacks, thus allowing Ashby to focus on starting and long relief. Wins all around. Let’s hope he keeps it up!

Janson Junk had an effective first start, but a quiet offense and leaky defense cost Nashville in Sunday’s defeat. The only Sunday Game Balls that I can accord go to Jason Junk (5 strikeouts and 1 run in 5 innings) and his batterymate Brian Navarreto (1-for-4, RBI; threw out both attempted base-stealers), who put the club in a position to win. Transactions (yeah, there are a few, as AA Biloxi, High-A Wisconsin and Low-A Carolina each announced their season-opening rosters): Assigned to Low-A Carolina: RHP/1B Quinton Low, INF Daniel Guilarte, LHP Nate Peterson, RHP Nick Merkel, C Jhonnys Cabrera, C Matthew Wood, OF/INF Kay-Lan Nicasia, C Blayberg Diaz, 3B Luke Adams, RHP Patricio Aquino, INF Gregory Barrios, LHP Jakob Brustoski, RHP Aidan Maldonado, 1B/3B Jesus Parra, RHP Tyler Wehrle, RHP Miguel Guerrero, RHP Tanner Shears, RHP Shane Smith, RHP Chase Costello, 1B/C Tayden Hall Assigned to High-A Wisconsin: OF Terence Doston, LHP Luis Amaya, RHP Taylor Floyd, RHP Tyler Woessner, RHP Michele Vassalotti, INF Eric Brown Jr., INF Robert Moore, 1B Jesus Chirinos, RHP Cameron Wagoner, C Jose Sibrian, OF Hendry Mendez, RHP Max Lazar, OF Je’Von Ward, RHP Joseph Hernandez, RHP Kaleb Bowman, RHP Ryan Brady, C Alex Hall Assigned to Double-A Biloxi: C Jeferson Quero, INF/OF Tyler Black, OF Carlos D. Rodríguez, INF/OF Isaac Collins, OF Lamar Sparks, RHP Carlos F. Rodríguez, LHP Adam Seminaris, RHP Tobias Myers, RHP Justin Yeager, RHP Christian Mejias, LHP Darrell Thompson Game Action: Final: Louisville 5, Nashville 2 (final in 10 innings) 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 Fall to Bats in Third Straight Extra-Inning Contest Looking for a season-opening three-game series sweep, Nashville grabbed a 2-0 lead against old friend Chase Anderson in the 2nd inning, as four straight batters reached with two outs: Designated hitter Payton Henry singled; second baseman Eddy Alvarez walked; shortstop Andruw Monasterio cracked an RBI single; and Navaretto added another. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to the 7,134 fans in attendance, those would be the only Sounds runs to cross the plate on this day. The Bats clawed a run back with a two-out walk and RBI double in the 4th inning, then tied the game at 2-2 in the 6th inning via a Joey Votto single and a Nick Martini RBI double off left-handed reliever Clayton Andrews. In the bottom of the 6th inning, first baseman Jon Singleton doubled with one out and moved to third base on a wild pitch, but the significant opportunity was squandered by a Skye Bolt pop-up and a Henry groundout. Singleton’s double was the last Nashville hit of the game. A similarly frustrating scenario followed in the 7th inning, as a leadoff hit-by-pitch and walk went for naught due to a Navaretto strikeout and a Sal Frelick lineout double play. This was part of a rare 0-for-4 day for Frelick, though he still managed to extend his regular season on-base streak to 44 games with a 5th inning walk, before being caught stealing. In reality, the game became a battle of bullpens, with Louisville being just a touch better. Bats’ relievers held the Sounds scoreless over five innings, while Louisville eventually got through against RHP J.C. Mejia and the Nashville defense in the top of the 10th inning. Cam Robinson, Ethan Small and Mejia had combined on three scoreless innings, before Mejia went back out to try his luck on a second inning. In that fateful 10th, a playable ground ball (ruled a single) got through Monasterio, before Mejia walked two straight batters (the second walk plating a run) in a failed attempt to get the home plate umpire to consistently call low strikes. A second ground ball made it through the Sounds’ defense (an error on Singleton) to score two more runs, before Alex Claudio came in to maintain a respectable final score by retiring the final two batters via groundout. Three Quick Strikes: With the injuries to Adrian Houser, Aaron Ashby and Jason Alexander, Janson Junk finds himself as the sixth or seventh MLB starter in the organization (alongside Bryse Wilson), so this terrific opening effort (5 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K) has to give him and Brewers’ brass some confidence. He even retired rehabbing MLB veteran Joey Votto via infield pop-out and full-count strikeout. Clean-up required: Six errors through three games is not the way to get the job done, perhaps highlighting the injury-related absences of infielders Cam Devanney and Josh VanMeter. Let’s hope that Monasterio and Alvarez, in particular, can find a solid groove manning the middle infield until their teammates return (hopefully soon!). Ordered from above?: Seeing catchers Henry, Navaretto and Alex Jackson as designated hitters in each of the first three games (ahead of the likes of Singleton, Hiura or Tyler Naquin) seems likely to stem from an intentional effort to maximize batting opportunities for catchers, in case any is called to the majors on short notice. This week’s outlook: The Sounds (2-1 record) travel to Memphis (1-2 record) for a six-game series which commences on Tuesday, with RHP Robert Stock expected to make his Nashville debut. 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

Absent players of note: OF Luis Castillo - we'd noted his absence from spring training lineup cards RHP Arielbi Gonzalez - this is troublesome for a solid starting pitcher LHP Brian Fitzpatrick - a 10th round pick last year RHP Yerlin Rodriguez RHP Brailin Rodriguez RHP Miguel Segura

Absent players of note: RHP Logan Henderson - didn't show up on any of the spring training lineup cards, but I was hoping that we were just being careful with him LHP Pablo Garabitos - also didn't show up on the spring training lineup cards, which was quite troubling for a solid reliever OF Arbert Cipion - same story RHP Ryne Moore - ARobsBrewCrew had earlier posted that Moore is working back from Tommy John surgery

RHP Abner Uribe is conspicuously absent, but he and RHP Darrell Thompson show up on a separate graphic published by @BrewersPD, so let's not fret. RHP Justin Bullock is also missing, but he's likely still recovering or building back strength from a late 2022 injury.

Wisconsin announces a 31-man Opening Day roster, with 16 pitchers and 15 position players: PITCHERS (16): Luis Amaya, Bo Bowman, Ryan Brady, Alexander Cornielle, Stiven Cruz, Taylor Floyd, Joseph Hernandez, Brannon Jordan, Justin King, Max Lazar, Joey Matulovich, Karlos Morales, Russell Smith, Michele Vassalotti, Cam Wagoner, Tyler Woessner CATCHERS (3): Alex Hall, Darrien Miller, Jose Sibrian INFIELDERS (7): Jose Acosta, Eric Brown, Jr, Jesús Chirinos, Eduardo García, Ernesto Martínez, Jr, Ben Metzinger, Robert Moore OUTFIELDERS (5): Micah Bello, Terence Doston, Joe Gray Jr, Hendry Mendez, Je’Von Ward

Biloxi announces a 29-man Opening Day roster, with 14 pitchers and 15 position players, while a separate graphic published by @BrewersPD has 31 players inclusive of RHPs Abner Uribe and Darrell Thompson:

We've got a 32-man Carolina Mudcats' Opening Day roster, with 17 pitchers, 14 position players and one 2-way player: