Ro Mueller

Thanks to Mass Haas for finding this one:

Thanks to Mass Haas for finding this one:

Thanks to Mass Haas for finding this one:

Thanks to Mass Haas for finding this one:

Castaneda & Co. tossed a shutout for Biloxi. Four solo home runs and strong pitching won it for Nashville. Knarr dominated again for Wisconsin. Carolina’s offense was unable to support a solid pitching effort. After collectively scuffling for four days, Milwaukee’s minor league pitchers stepped to the fore on Thursday night, giving up a combined 6 runs across four 9-inning contests, with Biloxi leading the way with a shutout at home. Nashville and Wisconsin were also winners this evening, although Carolina was done in by missed opportunities in the early innings. Despite pitchers only constituting 2 of the Brewers’ top 13 prospects (including Aaron Ashby – so let’s call it 1 of 12) in our Brewer Fanatic Pre-Season Top 25 Prospect Poll, those apparently under-appreciated arms have actually been doing the heavy lifting throughout this month: AAA Nashville – easily the top ERA in the 20-team International League at 2.52 (second place is Iowa at 3.15, third is Toledo at 3.53) AA Biloxi – also easily tops the ERA listing in the 8-team Southern League at 3.19 (second place is this week’s opponent Pensacola at 3.68) High-A Wisconsin – a more-than-respectable 6th place in ERA in the 12-team Midwest League at 3.97, skewed by an 18-run affair last week Low-A Carolina – not applicable. They’re young! ? Thursday night’s starting pitchers combined to cover 22 1/3 innings, yielding only 3 runs, 14 hits and 6 walks, while striking out 24 opposing hitters. Combined with solid relief pitching (12 2/3 innings, 2 runs), our hurlers are posting notice that they’re ready to move up the prospect lists. Of course, some offense was required as well and tonight was about solo homers: 2 by Weston Wilson and 1 each for Wes Clarke, Brice Turang, Jon Singleton and Freddy Zamora. And let’s not forget Antonio Pinero and his 2-run homer for Wisconsin. Game Balls this night go to RHP Victor Castaneda, LHP Brandon Knarr, RHP Caleb Boushley, RHP Ryne Moore and LF Weston Wilson. Transactions: None Game Action: Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Down East 2, Carolina 0 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Carolina Shut Out 2-0 at Down East Although the squad had four promising scoring opportunities, none came to fruition on this frustrating night for our young Mudcats: Hedbert Perez was thrown out at home on Eduardo Garcia’s 1st inning single Leadoff 2nd inning hits by Jesus Chirinos and Oswel Leones produced nothing A leadoff Jesus Chirinos single and two-out Zack Raabe walk didn’t result in any run in the 7th inning A Hedbert Perez single and a Eduardo Garcia triple in the 8th inning didn’t result in a run, undone by an intervening double play RHP Ryne Moore’s first inning had a bit of everything: infield single, hit-by-pitch, throwing error, two stolen bases, walk, regular single, strikeout. But thankfully the damage was only one run, with 3B Luis Silva throwing out one Wood Duck at home. The second inning was a bit unfair to Mr. Moore, with a 2-out walk and a balk (after 2 strikeouts to open the frame) setting the stage for a run-scoring single to put the deficit at 2-0. Thankfully, C Jeferson Quero’s second throwing error in the first three innings did not cost Moore and the Mudcats a run in the 3rd inning. In all, Moore only yielded 2 hits and recorded 9 strikeouts in his 6 innings of solid work, but unfortunately had to take the loss. LHP Pablo Garabitos and RHP Junior Montero continued to baffle Down East hitters thereafter, but the Carolina offense couldn’t quite come through. Performances of Note: Eduardo Garcia – 2-4, triple Jesus Chirinos – 2-4 Hedbert Perez – 1-4, SB Ryne Moore (Loss) – 6 innings, 2 runs, 5 hits, 2 walks, 1 HBP, 1 balk, 9 Ks Pablo Garabitos – 1 inning, zero runs, 1 hit, 2 Ks Junior Montero – 1 inning, zero runs, zero hits, 1 walk, 2 Ks Friday’s outlook: Today’s essentially a doubleheader, as the squads need to complete the remaining 8 1/2 innings from Tuesday’s contest before moving on to a 7-inning second game. RHP Israel Puello is slated to start one of the games, as he tries to forget his last appearance (7 earned runs in 2 innings). My money is on RHP Edwin Jimenez making the other start, with RHP Jefferson Figueroa also throwing a few innings. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 6, Peoria 2 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Knarr K’s Seven in Six Scoreless Innings for Rattlers Win at Peoria LHP Brandon Knarr decided to make a late run for Brewer Minor League Pitcher of the Month, blanking the Chiefs for 6 innings to lower his ERA to 1.61 after four terrific appearances this month, with 27 strikeouts in 22 1/3 innings. It’s clear his mind is on earning a promotion to AA Biloxi before his 24th birthday coming in early June. The Knarr-ly effort was necessary, as the only thing which separated the Timber Rattlers and Chiefs after six innings was Wes Clarke’s solo home run on a 2-0 count in the 4th inning. Thankfully, Peoria’s impressive 21-year old RHP Dionys Rodriguez exited after six innings and Wisconsin immediately feasted on the relief core, starting with a Carlos D. Rodriguez single and then Antonio Pinero’s first home run of 2022, matching his total of last year. Two walks and a hit-by-pitch set up Clarke (single) and Zavier Warren to drive in 2 more runs and extend the lead to 6-0. RHPs Kent Hasler and RHPs Cam Robinson weren’t as sharp as usual (4 hits, 2 runs in 2 innings), but let’s blame it on rustiness. Hasler has only thrown 4 2/3 innings thus far and Robinson hadn’t pitched in a full week. Performances of Note: Wes Clarke – 2-5, HR, 3 RBIs Antonio Pinero – 2-4, HR, 2 RBIs Zavier Warren – 2-4, double, 1 RBI Sal Frelick – 1-4, walk, SB Brandon Knarr (Win) – 6 innings, zero runs, 2 hits, 1 walk, 7 Ks Kent Hasler – 2 innings, 1 run, 2 hits, zero walks, 3 Ks Friday’s outlook: Always-impressive LHP Antoine Kelly (2.62 ERA in 13 2/3 innings) makes his 4th start of the year as Wisconsin tries to even this week’s series in Peoria at 2 games apiece. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 3, Pensacola 0 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Shuckers Shutout Wahoos For Second Night Manager Mike Guerrero must have played a hunch. Moving SS Freddy Zamora up to 2nd in the lineup in spite of his .204 AVG / .245 OBP / .245 SLG slash line entering the game, Zamora came through in the bottom of the first inning with his first home run of the season. And for RHP Victor Castaneda, that was the only run he needed. After escaping a first-and-third, 1-out situation in the 1st inning by striking out Griffin Conine and inducing an infield pop up from old friend Luis Aviles Jr., Castaneda only allowed one more baserunner to reach over the next 4 innings. Oh, and he picked that runner off of first base to keep things neat and clean. Apparently tiring in the 6th inning by giving up consecutive walks, RHP Luis Contreras picked him up by stranding both runners and also blanking Pensacola in the top of the 7th inning. Being too close for comfort at 1-0 with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th inning, the Shuckers’ bats woke up, with a Cam Devanney single plating Brent Diaz (who had doubled) and then Jakson Reetz (don’t underestimate this man and his 1.096 OPS) scoring Devanney to extend the lead to 3-0. Thereafter, RHP Nash Walter and RHP Zach Vennaro continued the strong work to complete the shutout. Performances of Note: Jakson Reetz – 2-3, double, RBI Freddy Zamora – 1-4, HR, RBI Cam Devanney – 1-3, RBI Brent Diaz – 1-3, double Thomas Dillard – 1-3 Victor Castaneda (Win) – 5 1/3 innings, zero runs, 3 hits, 2 walks, 5 Ks Luis Contreras – 1 2/3 innings, zero runs, zero hits, 1 walk, 2 Ks Nash Walters – 1 inning, zero runs, zero hits, zero walks, 1 K Zach Vennaro (Save) – 1 innings, zero runs, 1 hit, zero walks Friday’s outlook: LHP Nick Bennett is scheduled to take this one, looking to bounce back from his last outing (5 runs in a loss), as Biloxi aims to seize a 3-1 series lead over Pensacola. Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Nashville 6, St. Paul 2 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details: Solo Shots Power Sounds Past St. Paul A late switch saw RHP Caleb Boushley called to start a day earlier than expected, but the Hortonville and La Crosse man was unfazed and up to the challenge. Of course, it helps when super-prospect Brice Turang gets things rolling with a first-inning blast, his first of the year. In fact, it was a pleasant night of solo efforts, with four of the Sounds’ six runs coming on homers, including Weston Wilson extending the lead to 2-0 in the 2nd inning. Nashville then extended it to 4-0 thanks to a Pablo Reyes single, 4 walks and a wild pitch. It may have been a bigger inning if not for St. Paul gunning down Turang at home on an infield grounder. Boushley’s sole blemish was a run in the bottom of the third inning, in part created by the speed of the Twins’ own super-prospect Royce Lewis (infield single, stolen base, scored on a single). Jon Singleton joined the bachelor party in the 5th inning with a solo shot to authoritatively end his 0-for-19 skid at the plate, pushing the lead to 5-1. St. Paul managed to cut that deficit to 5-2 in the bottom of the 6th inning, with two singles and a double off RHP Thomas Jankins, but impressive field work caught a Saint at 3rd base to lessen the threat (LF Weston Wilson to SS Brice Turang to 3B Andruw Monasterio). In the 8th inning, Wilson added his second homer of the night for the 6-2 final margin. RHPs Zack Brown, Pete Strzelecki and Luis Perdomo were again solid to keep the Saints’ bats quiet, as Strzelecki and Perdomo in particular battle for the coveted Brewers’ Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Month award. Performances of Note: Weston Wilson – 2-4, 2 HRs, 2 RBIs Pablo Reyes – 2-5, 1 SB Jon Singleton – 1-3, HR, walk, 2 RBIs Brice Turang – 1-4, HR, walk, RBI Andruw Monasterio – 1-2, 2 walks, 2 SBs Caleb Boushley – 5 innings, 1 run, 4 hits, 1 walk, 1 balk, 3 Ks Zack Brown – 1 inning, zero run, zero hits, zero walks, 1 K Pete Strzelecki – 1 inning, zero runs, zero hits, zero walks, 1 K Luis Perdomo – 1 inning, zero runs, zero hits, zero walks Friday’s outlook: LHP Ethan Small (0.49 ERA in 18 1/3 innings) got an extra day of rest in advance of his 5th start of the month. Nashville needs a win to even this week’s series in St. Paul 2-2. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Good luck tonight, Brewers’ affiliates! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Links for affiliate audio Standings and sortable stat pages Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article

Nashville won 3-2, capping off a 5-1 series win. Biloxi did the opposite, falling 7-3 to lose five of six games in the week. The Timber Rattlers and Mudcats both got thumped. When you give up a collective 42 runs across four games while only scoring 11, you’ve got to be grateful if you win any matchups. Thankfully, Nashville came back from a 2-1 deficit to pull out a victory and avoid an affiliate O-fer on Sunday. RHP Dylan File put in a strong performance in Nashville’s win, while C Mario Feliciano provided the game-winning single. Both men are on the Brewers’ 40-man MLB roster, so they can be quickly recalled to the big club if any need arises. Despite the lowlights, we still have enough Game Balls to go around for File, Feliciano, OF Garrett Mitchell, RHP Carlos Luna, and CF/SS Brice Turang. Transactions: None Game Action: Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Lynchburg 15, Carolina 4 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Hillcats Win Series with 15-4 Finale Victory. Carolina and Lynchburg tied at ten hits apiece, but that was the only silver lining in this one. RHP Miguel Segura started for the second time this week but suffered his first loss in his ninth organizational start. LHP Pablo Garabitos, LHP Karlos Morales, and RHP Trevor Tietz had encouraging performances before a ninth-inning nightmare. RHPs Brandon Ramey and Lun Zhao tried to cover the ninth inning but only managed to throw 30 strikes in 63 pitches, walking six batters and throwing three wild pitches. In the ninth inning, the team gave up nine runs (eight earned), extending Lynchburg’s lead to 15-1. In addition, results in the field were also a struggle, with the squad committing three errors. However, we always look for the bright sides, and here they are: By stringing together three runs of their own in the bottom of the 9th inning, on two doubles, a single, and two sacrifice flies, hopefully, this awakens the Mudcat bats for the next series Micah Bello’s fourth-inning,, home run had to feel good as he tried to escape a mini-slump Tietz lowered his ERA from 16.62 to 12.71 in his second straight solid appearance C Jeferson Quero threw out a base stealer in the first inning, then was untested the rest of the night Performances of Note: Jesus Chirinos – 2-4, double, RBI Zack Raabe – 2-3, double, sac fly, RBI Micah Bello – 1-3, HR, sac fly, 2 RBI Arbert Cipion – 1-4, double Miguel Segura (Loss) – 3 2/3 innings, 4 runs, 5 hits, 4 walks, 2 Ks Pablo Garabitos – 1 1/3 innings, zero runs, 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 K Trevor Tietz – 1 1/3 innings, zero runs, zero hits, zero walks, 1 K Three other relievers – 2 2/3 innings, 11 runs, 4 hits, 7 walks, 1 HBP, 3 wild pitches, 4 Ks This week’s outlook: The Mudcats (7-8) will go on the road to face Down East (7-8), whom we swept in three games at home to start the season. Let’s see whether RHP Jefferson Figueroa or RHP Ryne Moore gets the start in game one. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Quad Cities 18, Wisconsin 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Wisconsin Winning Streak Ends The video recap and the postgame podcast are available at the link above. Quad Cities got their revenge after suffering five straight defeats to the Timber Rattlers throughout the week. The River Bandits even surpassed Wisconsin in run differential (39-32 for the series), although I’m sure they’d rather have the five wins. Every Timber Rattler pitcher was hit hard in this one, with six different hurlers each giving up an earned run and no pitcher lasting more than two innings. RHP Justin Jarvis had the honor of starting two games in the series, but perhaps this shows that he needed more rest (five runs, seven batters reached, and one balk – all in two innings of work). Despite scoring only one run, there are some positives to not from the offensive side, where OF Tristan Peters continues his solid run (a triple and single boosting his OPS to .869) , and Wes Clarke also keeps hitting (a double; OPS now .829). C Darrien Miller’s bat has cooled off (0-for-4 in this one), but he put the ball in play each time up. He also threw out a baserunner in the first inning, though two others completed steals later. Here he makes a tough catch while battling the wind in foul territory: Performances of Note: Ethan Murray – 2-3, double, RBI Tristan Peters – 2-3, triple Wes Clarke – 1-3, double, walk Justin Jarvis (Loss) – 2 innings, 5 runs, 4 hits, 3 walks, 1 wild pitch, 2 Ks Five relievers – 7 innings, 13 runs (12 earned), 12 hits, 7 walks, 1 HBP, 7 Ks This week’s outlook: Wisconsin (11-4) hits the road for six games against the Peoria Chiefs (7-8), whom the Rattlers defeated two games to one to start the season. Expect LHP Russell Smith to start the opener, looking to bounce back from a rough last appearance. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Birmingham 7, Biloxi 3 Box Score / Game Lo Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Barons Too Much for Shuckers as Biloxi Drops Finale 7-3 Every game of the Biloxi-Birmingham series felt like a see-saw boxing match, with major highs and lows, unfortunately ending with a low in five of the six games. In a repeat of Tuesday’s contest, starting pitchers RHP Carlos Luna and RHP Davis Martin held opposing hitters mainly in check, except for a Birmingham home run and Luis Urias’ RBI single. However, both exited the 1-1 affair after four innings, giving a reprieve which hitters immediately took advantage of. Biloxi had the first chance against the Barons’ bullpen, with a Urias walk and Garrett Mitchell homer giving the team a 3-1 lead, which we were hopeful would hold up. However, Shuckers’ reliever RHP Robbie Hitt couldn’t escape a jam of his own making, giving up four runs on four singles and two hit-by-pitches, exiting with Biloxi down 5-3. RHP Luis Contreras managed to strand two runners that inning to keep it close. Cam Devanney tried to spark a rally with a lead-off sixth-inning double and another single in the eighth inning, but the Shuckers couldn’t build off it. Performances of Note: Cam Devanney – 2-4, double Garrett Mitchell – 1-4, HR, walk, 2 RBIs Luis Urias – 1-4, RBI Ashton McGee – 1-4, double Carlos Luna – 4 innings, 1 run, 4 hits, 1 walk, 3 Ks Robbie Hitt (Loss) – 2/3 innings, 4 runs, 4 hits, 2 HBP, 2 Ks JT Hintzen – 1 inning, zero runs, zero hits, zero walks, 1 K This week’s outlook: Biloxi (9-6) returns home to face Pensacola (6-9), with LHP Andy Otero likely getting the first start in the series on Tuesday. Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Nashville 3, Charlotte 2 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details: Sounds Clip Knights in Front of Another Sellout Crowd at First Horizon Park. Solid pitching carried the Sounds to a fifth win in their six-game series against Charlotte. RHP Luis Perdomo started after six straight relief appearances, his first time starting a game since August 2020 with the San Diego Padres. Perhaps Mr. Perdomo took his foot off the gas a bit, as he didn’t record a strikeout in two innings of work. He did yield an earned run on two second-inning hits, but that RBI double involved an injury to more left-field Garrett Whitley. Despite the injury, Nashville managed to throw out that runner at home, except for the whole ball squirting out aspect. Thankfully, Whitley walked off under his own power while Pablo Reyes entered the game at third base, and Weston Wilson moved to left field. Nashville struck back in the third inning, picking up two runs, with Brice Turang knocking in Mark Mathias with a gground-ruledouble and then a Wilson RBI groundout scoring Reyes. RHP Dylan File took over in the third inning and had his best performance of the year, throwing 52 strikes in 76 pitches over five innings and only giving up one run. Unfortunately, that seventh inning single tied the game 2-2, so File couldn’t earn the win. The game was won in the bottom of the eighth inning, thanks to Wilson and David Dahl singles, followed by an RBI single for Mario Feliciano. The 23-year-old Feliciano is obviously still trying to figure out AAA pitching while improving as a catcher. Still, there are positive signs as evidenced by hitting doubles in consecutive games and throwing out Charlotte’s only attempted steal of the night. RHP Pete Strzelecki and Trevor Kelley only allowed one baserunner to reach as they covered the eighth and ninth innings for the win and save, respectively. Performances of Note: Brice Turang – 2-4, double, RBI Mario Feliciano – 2-4, double, RBI Mark Mathias – 2-3, SB Pablo Reyes – 1-2 Weston Wilson – 1-4, RBI Luis Perdomo – 2 innings, 1 run, 2 hits, 1 walk Dylan File – 5 innings, 1 run, 4 hits, 1 walk, 4 Ks Pete Strzelecki (Win) – 1 inning, zero runs, zero hits, zero walks Trevor Kelley (Save) – 1 inning, zero runs, zero hits, 1 walk This week’s outlook: Nashville (13-5) will be nearby the Brewers this week, traveling to face St. Paul (10-7). RHP Jason Alexander will likely start the opener, looking to stretch his record to 4-0. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Enjoy your travel day, gentlemen! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Links for affiliate audio Standings and sortable stat pages Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article

The Timber Rattlers eked out a third straight one-run victory, while the Shuckers lost a third straight heartbreaker. The Sounds and Mudcats’ bats were silenced to see win streaks end. It was a generally tough night on the farm, especially for our minor leaguer bats, with the Low-A Mudcats, AA Shuckers, and AAA Sounds combining to produce just 13 hits and five runs. Thankfully Wisconsin second baseman Tyler Black got the job done with a walk-off, one-out single to score the organization one win on the evening. Game Balls go to RHP TJ Shook, RHP Brannon Jordan, C Jakson Reetz, 2B Tyler Black, 1B Ernesto Martinez, and the Mudcat fielders who threw out four baserunners. A special mention goes out to RHP Lun Zhao for his Low-A Carolina debut. Transactions: OF Tristen Lutz placed on AA Biloxi's 7-day injured list There’s some confusion around the status of Low-A Carolina OF Hendry Mendez, whose 7-day injury list placement was immediately rescinded. Perhaps he’s in a concussion protocol after a collision on Wednesday Game Action: Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Lynchburg 8, Carolina 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review each of the affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Carolina Suffers First Home Loss 8-1 The game was closer than the score, as the Mudcats trailed just 2-0 entering the eighth inning. However, it also could have been far worse, as the squad threw out four Hillcat baserunners while managing just two hits offensively. RHP Brannon Jordan made his third straight solid start, yielding just one run and three hits over five innings, but unfortunately, the lack of offense left him wearing the loss. While offensive futility was the name of the game for the Mudcats (13 Ks vs. just two hits and one walk), difficulty in the bullpen also entered the picture. RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez, in particular, had his second consecutive rough appearance, throwing 51 pitches but covering just 1 2/3 innings and giving up five earned runs, with all the damage occurring in his sec inning of work. In his highly-anticipated Low-A Carolina debut, 20-year-old RHP Lun Zhao was understandably nervous. Entering with runners at second and third base in the eighth inning, he walked the first two batters on nine pitches before earning his first out on three swinging strikes. But let’s give credit where it’s due: C Jose Sibrian threw out attempted stealers in the first and fifth innings RF Arbert Cipion gunned down a runner headed to third base in the sixth inning to keep the game close LF Oswel Leones threw out a runner headed to third base in the eighth inning Performances of Note: Eduardo Garcia – 1-4, RBI Branndon Jordan (Loss) – five innings, one run, five strikeouts Friday’s outlook: Expect RHPs Edwin Jimenez and Israel Puello to cover most innings as the Mudcats try to extend their 2-1 series lead. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 6, Quad Cities 5 Box Score / Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Black and the Rattlers Win on Another Walkoff With RHP TJ Shook dominating for the third time this year, the Timber Rattlers appeared to have this one comfortably in hand, leading 5-1 entering the eighth inning. But that would be forgetting that the 2022 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers prefer drama. Through 15 2/3 innings, Shook now has a 0.57 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, and 13.2 K/9 ratio, competing with AAA Nashville’s Jason Alexander for organizational pitcher of the month thus far. Before likely tiring in the sixth inning, he’d only allowed an infield hit (who was erased by C Darrien Miller on an attempted steal), one hit-by-pitch and a solo home run. Leading 4-1 in the top of the sixth inning, TJ did allow two River Bandits to reach base (walk, hit-by-pitch), both of which were stranded by RHP Brady Schanuel. 1B Ernesto Martinez then added a solo no-doubter in the sixth inning. Normally-reliable RHPs Max Lazar and Cam Robinson both struggled, thus making the game interesting. Lazar escaped the seventh inning in spite of giving up a single, double and walk, but wasn’t as fortunate in a 3-run eighth inning (single, single, three-run homer). Robinson then gave up an infield single and three straight walks to knot up the game at 5-5, before Martinez (walk, stolen base, run) and Tyler Black came to the rescue in the bottom of the ninth inning with an opposite field, game-winning single. Performances of Note: Tyler Black – 2-4, double, walk, 2 RBIs Joe Gray Jr. – 2-4, RBI Ernesto Martinez – 1-3, HR, walk, RBI, SB Sal Frelick – 1-3, double, 2 walks Zavier Warren – 1-4, RBI TJ Shook – 5 2/3 innings, 1 run, 7 Ks Cam Robinson (Win) – 1 inning, 1 run, 1 K Full highlight package - Postgame Podcast via the Rattler Radio Soundcloud: "They did it again! The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers beat the Quad Cities River Bandits 6-5 on April 21 with a walkoff, RBI single by Tyler Black. The Rattlers have won via walkoff four times this season are now 9-3. Chris Mehring & Kyle Lobner discuss the details before Black, TJ Shook, and Joe Ayrault have comments from the clubhouse. If you come to a game this year, don't leave early!" Friday’s outlook: LHP Antoine Kelly makes his third start, still searching for his first win, as Wisconsin aims for a fourth straight victory at home over Quad Cities. Audio via WSCO's "The Show with Leo and Balky: Timber Rattlers' President Rob Zerjav (go to the 16:45 minute mark)= Audio via WSCO's "The Show with Leo and Balky: Timber Rattlers' Manager Joe Ayrault (go to the 12:50 minute mark) We learn that Tyler Black's week-long absence was due to a sprained finger; Ayrault with praise for OF Tristan Peters Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Birmingham 4, Biloxi 3 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Reetz’ Late Home Run Not Enough, Shuckers Fall Short 4-3 Credit for keeping this one close goes to the terrific bullpen duo RHPs Nash Walters and Zach Vennaro, who covered 3 2/3 innings without allowing a run. Their effort, along with C Jakson Reetz’ singular heroics, were nearly enough to enable Biloxi to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. But alas, Reetz was left as on third base in the top of the ninth inning as the potential game-tying run. A CF Garrett Mitchell first-inning double (6-game hitting streak) and two walks produced a first-inning lead on a 2B Felix Valerio sacrifice fly. The team then stranded two runners in the third inning before Birmingham opened up a 4-1 lead against Biloxi RHP starter Tyler Herb in the bottom half of the frame on three hits and an error. The rest of the game centred on Reetz, whose two-run, sixth inning homer (third of the year) brought Biloxi to within 4-3. Then after the next eight Shuckers failed to reach base, Reetz doubled with one out in the ninth inning and moved to third base on a balk. Unfortunately, 3B Cam Devanney (ground out) and LF Noah Campbell (strike out) were unable to bring him home, as the Shuckers suffered their third straight 1-run defeat. Performances of Note: Jakson Reetz – 2-4, HR, double, 2 RBIs Thomas Dillard – 1-3, double, walk Garrett Mitchell – 1-4, double Tyler Herb (Loss) – 4.0 innings, 4 runs (3 earned), 6 Ks Nash Walters – 1 2/3 innings, zero runs, 1 K Zach Vennaro – 2 innings, zero runs, 1 K Friday’s outlook: RHP Victor Castaneda (2.70 ERA in 10.0 innings) makes his third start. Biloxi needs a win tonight to prevent falling behind 0-4 in the series. Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Charlotte 5, Nashville 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details: Sounds’ Winning Streak Snapped at Four Games Despite sitting two of their big bats, Nashville appeared well-placed to win this one at home, with RHP Josh Lindblom cruising through five scoreless innings (scattering three hits with no walks) and the game still knotted 0-0. However, things fell apart in the sixth inning with the Knights putting together six(!) singles and a walk against the combined efforts of Lindblom and LHP Rex Brothers for a 5-0 lead. The main Sounds’ threat was in that same sixth inning, producing one run and two more baserunners before a Charlotte catcher picked 2B Mark Mathias off at first base to protect a 5-1 lead which would hold up the rest of the way. Performances of Note: Garrett Whitley – 2-3, walk Mark Mathias – 2-4 Tyler White – 1-4, RBI Josh Lindblom (Loss) – 5 innings, 3 runs, 8 Ks Connor Sadzeck – 2/3 inning, zero runs Zach Brown – 1 inning, zero runs, 2 Ks Luis Perdomo – 1 inning, zero runs, 2 Ks Hobie Harris – 1 inning, zero runs, 1 K Friday’s outlook: LHP Ethan Small (0.68 ERA in 13 1/3 innings) is on the hill for his fourth start of the year, as Nashville looks to take a 3-1 series lead at home against Charlotte. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Better luck on Friday, gentlemen! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Links for affiliate audio Standings and sortable stat pages Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article

That’s a terrific Link Report. Thank you Senor Julio.

That’s a terrific Link Report. Thank you Senor Julio.

Last year, the International League scored 16.4% fewer runs and had an OPS 8.3% lower than the PCL. The average OPS in the International League in 2021 was .743, but that should rise this year assuming pitchers no longer need to hit: 2015 – PCL 4.73 R/G, .750 OPS; IL 3.97 R/G, .689 OPS 2016 – PCL 4.78 R/G, .751 OPS; IL 3.96 R/G, .697 OPS 2017 – PCL 5.05 R/G, .774 OPS; IL 4.24 R/G, .719 OPS 2018 – PCL 4.97 R/G, .763 OPS; IL 4.16 R/G, .709 OPS 2019 – PCL 5.85 R/G, .831 OPS; IL 5.16 R/G, .787 OPS 2021 – PCL 5.74 R/G, .810 OPS; IL 4.80 R/G, .743 OPS

Last year, the International League scored 16.4% fewer runs and had an OPS 8.3% lower than the PCL. The average OPS in the International League in 2021 was .743, but that should rise this year assuming pitchers no longer need to hit: 2015 – PCL 4.73 R/G, .750 OPS; IL 3.97 R/G, .689 OPS 2016 – PCL 4.78 R/G, .751 OPS; IL 3.96 R/G, .697 OPS 2017 – PCL 5.05 R/G, .774 OPS; IL 4.24 R/G, .719 OPS 2018 – PCL 4.97 R/G, .763 OPS; IL 4.16 R/G, .709 OPS 2019 – PCL 5.85 R/G, .831 OPS; IL 5.16 R/G, .787 OPS 2021 – PCL 5.74 R/G, .810 OPS; IL 4.80 R/G, .743 OPS

Thank you. I know it’s a long shot, but also wanted to give some appreciation to the AAA guys. Usually the only meaningful older position player contract selections we make are utility types (Hernan, Sogard, Jace, etc.), but this crop at least appears more intriguing. Weston should have more to offer as a future big leaguer than Nate Orf did back in the day, while I believe that Singleton, Dahl and White are more talented than our customary AAA set.

Thank you. I know it’s a long shot, but also wanted to give some appreciation to the AAA guys. Usually the only meaningful older position player contract selections we make are utility types (Hernan, Sogard, Jace, etc.), but this crop at least appears more intriguing. Weston should have more to offer as a future big leaguer than Nate Orf did back in the day, while I believe that Singleton, Dahl and White are more talented than our customary AAA set.

Thank you. I know it’s a long shot, but also wanted to give some appreciation to the AAA guys. Usually the only meaningful older position player contract selections we make are utility types (Hernan, Sogard, Jace, etc.), but this crop at least appears more intriguing. Weston should have more to offer as a future big leaguer than Nate Orf did back in the day, while I believe that Singleton, Dahl and White are more talented than our customary AAA set.

Thank you. I know it’s a long shot, but also wanted to give some appreciation to the AAA guys. Usually the only meaningful older position player contract selections we make are utility types (Hernan, Sogard, Jace, etc.), but this crop at least appears more intriguing. Weston should have more to offer as a future big leaguer than Nate Orf did back in the day, while I believe that Singleton, Dahl and White are more talented than our customary AAA set.

If the Brewers are looking for instant offense, they’re in luck. Five veteran players at AAA Nashville have broken out as top early-season performers, ready to step up and produce in Milwaukee. From sadness that .395-hitting (in AA in 1987) LaVel Freeman never became an MLB regular to anger at the 1995 release of AL Rookie of the Month Troy O’Leary and frustration at the 2013-14 failure to promote .328-hitting Eugenio Velez to allow the poor man to break his 0-for-46 MLB hitless streak, some of us spend a disproportionate amount of time pulling for Brewers’ fringe players (and Curtis Pride, but that was a more fulfilling story). But if there’s a charity case today, it’s the Brewers’ woeful offense, not our crop of “AAAA” veterans we have playing in Nashville. Here’s how that Brewer offense stacks up after nine games: 25th in OPS (.618) 28th in runs per game (2.78) 29th in home runs per game (0.56) With at least one open 40-man MLB roster spot, 15-person pitching staff, and optionable position players like Mike Brosseau and Keston Hiura, why not roll the dice on two or three of our hottest hitters in AAA? Remember, these are non-roster guys who actually played a full spring training and are now into grooves that might benefit our slumping offense. Without further ado, here are the top five early-season Sounds hitters that are just a phone call away from flying to Milwaukee to bolster the parent squad: David Dahl – OF – Left-Handed Hitter – 28 years old Are you tired of seeing the Brewers send out two right-handed hitting outfielders against opposing right-handed starters? Have you already given up hope of Hunter Renfroe coming through in the clutch against an opposing righty? Former Colorado Rockies’ 2019 All-Star outfielder David Dahl may be the man for you. Despite a Covid-disaster 2020 in Colorado (.470 OPS in 99 PAs) and similarly disappointing 2021 in Texas, Fanatic excitement around Dahl grew steadily with his August 2021 signing and .911 OPS in AAA Nashville, ultimately peaking with the December trade of fellow left-handed hitter Jackie Bradley Jr. With only one left-handed outfield bat (Yelich) remaining in an ocean of righties (Renfroe, Cain, McCutchen, Taylor), Dahl entered spring training with at least a chance to earn an MLB roster spot. Of course, such roster spots are not served on a silver platter, and while Hiura and Tyrone Taylor starred in 2022 spring training, Dahl put together a dismal .538 OPS in 16 plate appearances. But c’mon, the man just needed to shake off some rust. After a 2-for-19 start to the AAA season with no extra-base hits or RBIs, he’s 6-for-12 in his last three games, with two home runs, a double, and 7 RBIs. Mr. Dahl’s 2022 OPS in AAA is now up to a solid .808, and he’s ready to contribute on the big stage. Weston Wilson – IF/OF – Right-Handed Hitter – 27 years old The always-good, never-great 2016 17th round draft pick Wilson never seemed to make any prospect lists but consistently progressed nonetheless: 2016 - .887 OPS at Advanced Rookie Helena 2017 - .842 OPS at Low-A Wisconsin 2018 - .777 OPS at High-A Carolina 2019 - .739 OPS at AA Biloxi Then after the lost 2020 season, Wilson stepped into AAA Nashville in 2021 and showed more power than expected: 16 home runs in 246 plate appearances, with a .902 OPS before having his season cut short in early August due to thoracic outlet syndrome. With his consistent production, burgeoning power, and ability to play all over the field (2021: 20 starts at first base, 11 at shortstop, eight at second base, eight in the outfield, six at third base), some of us wondered whether an MLB club would take a flyer on Wilson in the offseason Rule 5 draft. But that draft was canceled for the first time since 1891. How’s Mr. Wilson performing through his first eight games at AAA Nashville this year?: .375 AVG / .464 OBP / .583 SLG through 28 plate appearances 9-for-24 with one home run and two doubles eight runs scored and 6 RBIs four walks vs. six strikeouts five starts at third base, one at second base, one at first base Whether it’s a Mike Brosseau swap or replacing Keston Hiura with a right-handed-hitting utility player (who hits better than Pablo Reyes), Weston Wilson is fully prepped to help the Brewers immediately. Jon Singleton – 1B – Left-Handed Hitter – 30 years old While perhaps not on the level of the remarkable comebacks of Josh Hamilton, Rick Ankiel, and Darryl Strawberry, a return to the majors for Jon Singleton would undoubtedly garner a solid bit of media attention. A former can’t-miss prospect who reportedly signed the first-ever extension by a drafted prospect with no major league service time (guaranteed $10 million, up to $35 million five year contract with the Astros in June 2014), Singleton made his major league debut as a 22-year old shortly after that, mashing 13 home runs over the remainder of that season. However, despite a solid 2015 in AAA, he struggled in his MLB opportunities, hitting .192 with one home run in 58 plate appearances, and was remarkably outrighted by November 2016, suspended 100 games in January 2018 for a third positive drug test (the first two were for marijuana in 2012) and released in May 2018. Singleton’s last organized baseball game was on September 4, 2017, before playing for Diablos Rojos del Mexico in the Mexican League on June 8, 2021. Oh, how’d he perform en La Ciudad de Mexico? He posted a 1.196 OPS with 15 home runs in 137 at-bats, with 51 walks and 50 strikeouts. Wowsers! So much for easing back into it! The Brewers signed Singleton in December 2021, and he’s been an immediate success in AAA Nashville, producing a .859 OPS over his first 38 plate appearances, including two doubles, a triple, two home runs, and six RBIs. Though he’s only drawn three walks against ten strikeouts thus far, this likely isn’t a concern if you look at his terrific BB/K ratios from 2014-2017 and 2021. Could Mr. Singleton be the instant offense that the Brewers require? Or would it be impossible to pair him with left-handed-hitting Rowdy Tellez, forcing either Andrew McCutchen or Renfroe to the bench? Tyler White – 1B – Right-Handed Hitter – 31 years old As Jon Singleton faded out of Houston’s plans, Tyler White tried to step into the void. A 33rd-round pick in 2013, White efficiently worked his way to the big leagues, having his contract selected in April 2016 and hitting eight home runs in 276 plate appearances that season. After limited MLB action in 2017, White returned in a big way in 2018, putting up a 140+ OPS in 237 plate appearances, with 12 home runs. Unfortunately for him, he disappointed in 2019, was designated for assignment in June, and struggled with the Dodgers as well, being outrighted in February 2020. White regained his form at AAA Buffalo in 2021, with a .292 AVG / .424 OBP / .476 SLG in 353 plate appearances, including 13 home runs, 80 walks, and only 73 strikeouts, but didn’t get the promotion to the Blue Jays. Though his 2022 start has not been other-worldly (.211 AVG / .375 OBP / .579 SLG in 24 plate appearances), perhaps Mr. White is the right-handed hitting platoon partner that the Brewers need at first base if Keston Hiura can’t quite put it together yet. Mark Mathias – IF/OF – Right-Handed Hitter – 27 years old I admit I was baffled when the Brewers traded a catching prospect and gave a 40-man roster spot in November 2019 to a 25-year infielder who’d only posted one encouraging OPS in his previous three seasons. But of course, the “In Stearns We Trust” motto runs deep, so I didn’t doubt the move. Mathias then appeared to be a serviceable utility man for Craig Counsell’s 2020 squad, though in limited action (16 games, 36 plate appearances, mainly in the outfield) and was poised for a potentially bigger role in 2021 before a March shoulder injury shelved him for the entire season. Designated for assignment in November 2021 and not claimed by any other club, Mr. Mathias is now doing his best to remind Brewers’ brass of why they grabbed him in the first place, with an early season .350 AVG / .435 OPS / .550 SLG through 23 plate appearances, all in the infield. While Mathias doesn’t offer the pop of Weston Wilson, could his prior MLB experience playing for Manager Counsell give him a selection advantage What do you think? Who should be the first position player called up to Milwaukee from our minors system in 2022? View full article

As tantalizing of a prospect as that is, I'm guessing they'll want to see Hedbert Perez and Hendry Mendez start hitting first. They also have players like Alejandro Marte, Reidy Mercado and Eduarqui Fernandez which could get promoted if they're ready. Let's see!

As tantalizing of a prospect as that is, I'm guessing they'll want to see Hedbert Perez and Hendry Mendez start hitting first. They also have players like Alejandro Marte, Reidy Mercado and Eduarqui Fernandez which could get promoted if they're ready. Let's see!

Pretty shallow fly ball to test him on! Back at it tonight. I'm also curious who'll get the Sunday start for the Rattlers, since Shook came on in relief on Friday night. Joey Matulovich? Antoine Kelly to get two starts in the same week?

Pretty shallow fly ball to test him on! Back at it tonight. I'm also curious who'll get the Sunday start for the Rattlers, since Shook came on in relief on Friday night. Joey Matulovich? Antoine Kelly to get two starts in the same week?

@BrewersPD added a video of RHP TJ Shook's dominating form for Wisconsin: ...as well as just-turned-18 CF Jackson Chourio hitting dingers in extended spring training: