Ro Mueller

Jake McKibbon has a deeper dive on how Woodruff’s stuff and velocity held up (or didn’t):

Woodruff and Rodriguez tossed shutout baseball in Nashville’s split doubleheader. Pratt, Adams and Wood had big homers for the Shuckers and Timber Rattlers. Jesus Made returned in Carolina’s close defeat. Transactions: RHP Cesar Espinal (recently acquired for Mark Canha) assigned to DSL Brewers Blue RHP Brandon Woodruff’s rehab shifted to AAA Nashville RHP Merwin Manrique (signed January 15) assigned to DSL Brewers Gold LHP Bryan Hudson optioned to AAA Sounds from MLB Brewers Game Action: Game One Final: Nashville 2, Durham 0 (in 7 innings) Box Score and Game Log Game Two Final: Durham 9, Nashville 7 (in 8 innings) Box Score and Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Sounds Split Thursday Twin Bill with Durham Per the linked game report, the Sounds blanked the Bulls for 13 innings, nearly completing a 2-win, 2-shutout sweep, before things went awry in the final scheduled inning in the second game. Terrific starts from rehabbing RHP Brandon Woodruff (5 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 5 Ks) and 23-year old RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez (5 1/3 IP, 3 H, 0 BB, 1 HBP, 8 Ks) were the story of the night, with both serving notice that they’re ready to contribute at the Major League level if called upon (health-permitting, of course). Woodruff’s third rehab start saw him maintain his velocity (94.1mph peak) across 61 pitches (41 strikes), while the youngster Rodriguez baffled hitters across 78 pitches (52 strikes) with his 6-pitch mix of changeups, cutters, curve balls, sinkers, sliders and four-seamers (94.4mph peak). Nashville recorded just two hits in the opening game victory, including C Jorge Alfaro’s (2-for-5 day, HR, walk, 2 RBIs, SB and most likely to selected in an NFL draft, per players’ poll) 6th blast of the young season: https://x.com/nashvillesounds/status/1915551204647604306 OF Jared Oliva added an insurance run (his 6th homer of 2025, to go with 13 stolen bases) in that opening game for good measure: 1B Wes Clarke had a productive day at the plate (2-for-6, 2 RBIs), nearly leading the offense to victory in the night cap: SS/2B Andruw Monasterio (2-for-5, walk, RBI) and 3B Freddy Zamora were in give-and-take mode, with Zamora’s RBI extending the Game 2 lead to 6-0 before his game-tying error later in the same inning: Sounds’ Extras: The box scores tells us that RHP Ryan Middendorf surrendered most of the damage in the Game 2 collapse (5 earned runs, 4 hits, 1 HBP against 6 batters), but the exit velocities were 73.2, 40.6, 75.9 and 90.2. Still leading 6-3 with 2-on, 1-out, RHP Vinny Nittoli attempted to close it out, but 2 singles and an error allowed 3 more runs across before RHP Jesus Liranzo conceded 3 runs (2 earned) in the extra frame. 3B/SS Oliver Dunn’s road back to MLB may have begun with his double (106.5mph) in the second game, part of a 1-for-6 day with a walk. Yes, he played shortstop in that late game. Regular Minor League Forum contributor @wiguy94 picked this nugget from Jeff Hem on the Sounds’ broadcast: “Ernesto is dealing with a right thumb issue so I was woefully off thinking it was a right thigh issue”, thus explaining 1B Ernesto Martinez Jr.’s absence from the two lineups. Friday’s outlook: RHP Deivi Garcia (2.70 ERA, 11 Ks in 13 1/3 IP) is scheduled to start Game 4, with the team needing a win to even the home series at 2-2. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 7, Montgomery 3 Box Score and Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Adams Celebrates 21st Birthday in Style with First Double-A Homer in Shuckers Win Two wins and 17 runs in the last two games for the Shuckers? Is this still the pitcher-friendly Southern League? Clutch extra-base hits were the name of the game for Biloxi, with all 7 runs coming home on XHBs: 3B Brock Wilken (2-for-3, double, walk, RBI) got the scoring started and reached three times to lift his season OPS to .771 (with a .179 AVG): SS Cooper Pratt and 1B Luke Adams had one hit each, but certainly made them count: Also encouraging was RHP Coleman Crow (2 1/3 IP, 1 R, 2 Ks) making his 2nd start after a prolonged injury absence. Though it wasn't exactly smooth sailing (5 H), he got timely outs and other help (thanks C Ramon Rodriguez and RHP Stiven Cruz) to only concede 1 run. Find more video highlights on the Shuckers’ Twitter feed, including contributions from Garrett Spain and RHP Will Childers. Shuckers’ Extras: Credit LHP Nate Peterson (4 IP, 1 R, 6 Ks) and RHP Will Childers (2 IP, 1 R, 4 Ks) will striking out 10 Biscuits over their combined 6 innings of solid work. Montgomery actually outhit the Shuckers 10-8 and matched them with 4 XBHs, but stranded 13 baserunners in a frustrating evening for them. In addition to his first AA homer, of course Adams also collected an HBP on his birthday. Friday’s outlook: RHP Abdiel Mendoza (7.59 ERA, 10 Ks in 10 2/3 IP) gets the call to try to lead Biloxi to a 3-1 home series lead. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Wisconsin 13, Cedar Rapids 5 Box Score and Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Rattlers Offense Pulls Away Late in Cedar Rapids Though the final score doesn't suggest it, this was a tense affair through 8 innings. Wisconsin's offense was certainly due for a breakout and it happened here on the road with 13 runs and 14 hits. Even stranding 11 baserunners (7-for-16 with runners in a scoring position) can be seen as a positive sign for a team that had lost 7 of 8 games coming in. C Matt Wood's (featured in a timely Appleton Post-Crescent article) only hit of the night was a first-pitch biggie to give Wisconsin a 4-3 lead in the 3rd inning: The linked game report by Chris Mehring captures the action beautifully, including the clutch 2-out RBI singles from the Garcia non-brothers (Eduardo – 2-for-5, walk, RBI; Yhoswar – 2-for-4, walk, RBI): We’re blessed with more video highlights at the linked game report and Timber Rattlers’ Twitter feed, including Hedbert Perez (2-for-6, triple, 2 RBIs, SB) and Jheremy Vargas. Timber Rattlers’ Extras: Starting RHP Chandler Welch battled through 8 hits over 5 innings and 82 pitches, while RHP Zach Peek collected his 2nd win thanks to 2 pristine innings (6-up, 6-down, 3 Ks). Offensive leader SS Jadher Areinamo reached base 5 times (2 hits, 2 walks, 1 HBP) and DH/1B Blake Burke contributed a double and a single. Friday’s outlook: RHP Bishop Letson (2.45 ERA, 13 Ks in 11 IP) is listed to make his 4th start of 2025, with Wisconsin needing a victory to even their road series at two games apiece. Final: Columbia 2, Carolina 1 Box Score and Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Drop Contest at Columbia A second straight 1-run defeat has the talented Mudcats in unfamiliar territory, trailing 2-0 in their road series. But that pales somewhat in importance to the return of 17-year old SS Jesus Made (1-for-4, 1 K) from injury and 5 solid innings from 19-year old starting RHP Bryce Meccage (4 1/3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 4Ks). Carolina League OPS leader 2B Josh Adamczewski led the offense with a 3-for-4, 1 RBI day (.383 season AVG, 1.090 OPS in 74 PAs). Long reliever RHP Tanner Gillis had his first challenging appearance, conceding the 2 runs on a double and 6 singles over 3 innings. The winning run came across on an 8th inning duffed infield grounder (rough luck). Mudcats’ Extras: Gillis did register 4 strikeouts, part of a combined 10K/0BB day by Mudcats’ pitchers (including LHP Anfernny Reyes’s 2 Ks). Utility man and pleasant surprise Luiyin Alastre (right field in this game) contributed a double, walk and outfield assist. Friday’s outlook: RHP Bryan Rivera (1.08 ERA, 9 Ks in 8 1/3 IP) is listed to start the first game of Carolina’s twin-bill, with RHP Melvin Hernandez (3.09 ERA, 10 Ks in 11 2/3 IP) and LHP Sam Garcia (2.38 ERA, 12 Ks in 11 1/3 IP) likely available for their second contest of the night. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. The Mudcats get Friday action started with Game 1 of their doubleheader at 4:35 CST, while the Milwaukee Brewers head to St. Louis for a 7:15pm start time. 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

Nearly a 5-0 night across our affiliates, but Carolina lost a 2-1 battle and Nashville blew a 6-0 lead in the final inning against Durham. Still good to see offense and.victories for Wisconsin and Biloxi, a Woodruff/Nashville win (Game 1), Jesus Made’s formal return, solid starts from Meccage and CF-Rod, and homers from Wood (slam), Pratt, Adams, Alfaro and Oliva.

- RHP Cesar Espinal (recently acquired for Mark Canha) assigned to DSL Brewers Blue - RHP Merwin Manrique (Jan 15 signing) assigned to DSL Brewers Gold - RHP Brandon Woodruff’s rehab transferred to AAA Nashville

LHP Bryan Hudson optioned to AAA Nashville

Just a late 2025 IFA sighting, I think. He’s been 16 since July 2024. We usually sign a few IFAs (mainly pitchers) after the January signing window opens.

At least the runs are raining down for Biloxi: 10 of them on 11 hits through 8 innings, led by table-setter RF Garrett Spain and LF Zavier Warren with 3 hits and 3 RBIs each. KC Hunt tossed 6 strong innings (1 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 Ks).

It’s a night of rain across much of the land, as the Sounds and Mudcats have both succumbed to the elements: - Nashville to make up this game via Thursday doubleheader - Carolina to make up its game via Friday doubleheader

Ryan Birchard had a terrific outing, allowing just 3 hits and a walk over 5 innings (1 run); while striking out 5 Kernels. Unfortunately, only 18 T-Rats have come to the plate through 6 innings. Yes; that’d be perfect game territory, except for 1 Juan Baez opposite field single (erased by a GIDP 1 pitch later). They’re on a rain delay. trailing 3-0 thru 6 innings.

21-year old RHP Ryan Birchard (4.70 ERA, 9 Ks in 7.2 IP) got the Game 2 start at Cedar Rapids for High-A Wisconsin, his 3rd of the young campaign. Unfortunately, the team is producing just 3.25 runs per game (vs. league average 4.87). CF Yhoswar Garcia returns to the lineup after being a late scratch yesterday.

17-year old SS Jesus Made is back in the lineup after missing 2 games, while 19-year old RHP Bryce Meccage (4.50 ERA with 6 Ks in 8 IP) makes his 4th start of the season, this time trying to even their series at Columbia. DH/INF Luis Pena’s hitting streak is now 11 games.

AA Biloxi aims for its first victory (and runs) of this week’s home series against Montgomery. RHP KC Hunt (7.59 ERA with 12 Ks in 10,2 IP) makes his 4th start of 2025. SS Cooper Pratt has hit safely in his last 4 games.

Will RF Daz Cameron homer for the 4th straight game? RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez (1.40 ERA with 25 Ks in 19.1 IP) has been stellar through 4 starts. Nashville needs to put it together at home to even their series 1-1 with Durham.

Thank you for this

- Signed 16-year old, 6’1” RHP Steven Duran from the Dominican Republic

Jacob Misiorowski, Daz Cameron, Luis Pena and Manuel Rodriguez turned in exceptional performances, but Nashville and Carolina fell in extras and Wisconsin lost on a walk-off. Biloxi had one hit in defeat. Image courtesy of Biloxi Shuckers Transactions: LHP Jesus Broca promoted to High-A Wisconsin from Low-A Carolina (filling the lefty reliever spot vacated by Brian Fitzpatrick’s promotion to Biloxi) C Eric Martinez assigned to High-A Wisconsin from ACL Brewers (filling the roster spot opened by Edgardo Ordonez’s injury list placement) C Nick Kahle activated by AAA Nashville OF Kay-Lan Nicasia placed on High-A Wisconsin’s 7-day injured list, retroactive to April 21 Game Action: Final: Durham (Rays) 4, Nashville 2 (in 10 innings) Box Score and Game Log Via the Sounds’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Misiorowski Spins Quality Start in Loss to Bulls It was the RHP Jacob Misiorowksi and OF Daz Cameron Show through 7 innings, as they seemed to jointly lead Durham 2-0, but one untimely swing (an RBI triple with nobody out in the 8th inning) essentially knotted the affair. Misiorowski (6 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 8 Ks) earned rave reviews as even the one hit he conceded (a single) was erased with a ground ball double play, impressing over 76 pitches (50 strikes). Cameron nearly hit for the cycle (3-for-5, HR, 2B, 2 RBIs) as he the reigning International League Player of the Week makes a strong case to join the Milwaukee outfield. Durham’s chances were few and far between, as they stranded just 3 baserunners to Nashville’s 10. In a stunning 8th inning reversal, the team needed RHP Jesus Liranzo to strand an inherited baserunner from RHP Easton McGee just to keep it tied 2-2. Liranzo came through by facing the minimum over 1 2/3 innings, but the offense wasn’t able to re-start. Sounds’ Extras: Of some concern, hot-hitting 1B Ernesto Martinez Jr. (1-for-2) exited the game in the 6th inning after being caught stealing. He’d also been hit-by-pitch earlier in the contest, so hopefully this was just a precautionary move. Credit to Durham with the clutch hitting and throwing out 2 Nashville attempted basestealers. Meanwhile, 243-pound C Jorge Alfaro stole his 6th base of the early season, pushing his career total to 68 over 16 MLB/MILB seasons. In other news, per @AdamMcCalvy: Brandon Woodruff's next assignment is a start on Thursday in Nashville. Jeferson Quero, whose comeback from shoulder surgery was delayed by a hamstring injury, is also back to baseball activities. Wednesday’s outlook: RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez (1.40 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for Game 2 of this home series. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Montgomery (Rays) 2, Biloxi 0 Box Score and Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Kuehner, Bullpen Out-dueled by Biscuits in 2-0 Shuckers Loss A 2-run, 3-hit game in the light-hitting Southern League is no surprise, but it must be rough on the pitching staff to come out on the wrong side of it. Starting LHP Tate Kuehner (5.2 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 3 BB, 1 HBP, 7 Ks) is now racking up the Ks that he missed out on in some earlier starts, dropping his opponents’ batting average against him to .172 through 19 1/3 innings. Per the linked game report, SS Cooper Pratt collected the team’s only hit, which was followed by a DH Brock Wilken walk while trailing 2-0 with 1 out in the 6th inning. Unfortunately a fly out and K ended that threat. Walks in each of the 8th and 9th innings also yielded nothing. Shuckers’ Extras: For the game, the staff of Kuehner and RHPs Nick Merkel and Tyler Bryant recorded 11 strikeouts, with Merkel and Bryant retiring 10 straight hitters to give Biloxi’s offense a chance. Wednesday’s outlook: RHP KC Hunt (7.59 ERA) gets the chance to help tie up this home series, as he’s the scheduled starter for Game 2. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Cedar Rapids 4, Wisconsin 2 Box Score and Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Rattlers Suffer Home Run Heartbreak in Ninth at Cedar Rapids Falling one out short of a terrific road win means there were still some solid Timber Rattlers’ performances to appreciate, particularly starting 19-year old RHP Manuel Rodriguez and OF Hedbert Perez. The 2nd-youngest pitcher in the 12-team Midwest League, Rodriguez (5 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 3 Ks) notched his 4th terrific start of the season (season ERA 1.71 thru 21 IP), nearly earning his first High-A win in the process. The team went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and only stranded 4 baserunners, but Perez led the offense with his 2-run blast and a 7th inning double. Unfortunately, a line out double play ended that 7th frame still leading just 2-1. Timber Rattlers’ Extras: Closing RHP Yerlin Rodriguez was one strike away from slamming the door before four straight balls allowed the final walk and 2-1 count walk-off 3-run homer. This does not negate Rodriguez’s 4 solid outings to start the year, nor his 13 Ks thru 6 1/3 innings. OF Yhoswar Garcia was a late scratch from the starting lineup, so we’ll watch his availability going forward. Wednesday’s outlook: RHP Ryan Birchard (4.70 ERA) is listed as the starting pitcher for the second game of this road series, with Wisconsin needing a victory to even things up at one game apiece. Final: Columbia 12, Carolina 11 (in 10 innings) Box Score and Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Drop Series Opener to Columbia The Half Inning of the Year nearly produced an epic victory, but let’s still bask in 17 hits, including 9 of them in an 8-run 8th inning which turned a 9-2 deficit into a remarkable 10-9 advantage. A whopping 7 Mudcats had multi-hit games, led by 18-year old DH/INF Luis Pena and 21-year old C Marco Dinges. Pena’s 3 doubles and .367 batting average have him turning heads across the baseball prospect world. He also stole his 12th base of 2025. 2B Josh Adamczewski (2-for-6) started the rally with a leadoff 8th inning single, one of 6 straight singles to cut the deficit to 9-6 before RBI doubles from OF Braylon Payne (2-for-5, 2 RBIs, outfield assist) and Pena. With Adamczewski up again with a runner on 3rd base and 1 out in the 10th inning, it looked like the Mudcats may blow the game open, but a lineout double play left them with just a temporary 11-10 advantage. Five Carolina pitchers handled the 9 1/3 innings, with none topping 49 pitches. Starting LHP Wande Torres (2 2/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 HBP, 0 Ks) worked around traffic and RHP Garrett Hodges pitched a 3-up, 3-down 9th inning before a single and 2 walks sent his 10th inning closing attempt awry. Mudcats’ Extras: SS Jesus Made and INF/OF Demetrio Nadal weren’t in the lineup, but also aren’t on the injured list. Hopefully we will see them back in action soon. Wednesday’s outlook: RHP Bryce Meccage (4.50 ERA) is due to make his fourth start of this young 2025 season. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. Carolina kicks off Wednesday action with a 6:05pm CST start time, with the other affiliates following at 6:35pm. The Brewers commence late at 8:45pm. 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

Anyone see why EMJ exited after being caught stealing in the 6th inning? Hopefully it's nothing.

AAA Nashville is home this week to battle Rays’ affiliate Durham, with RHP Jacob Misiorowski (2.89 ERA, 21 Ks in 18 2/3 IP) starting tonight’s series opener. International League Player of the Week CF Daz Cameron (1.408 OPS with 4 HR, 14 RBIs and 3 SBs in just 36 PAs) hits in the Ignitor spot in the lineup.

High-A Wisconsin is over in Iowa this week to take on Twins’ affiliate Cedar Rapids. 19-year old RHP Manuel Rodriguez (1.69 ERA, 19 Ks in 16 IP) starts the series opener. SS Jadher Areinamo (.878 OPS in 64 PAs) also has a 10-game hitting streak.

The AA Shuckers host Rays’ AA affiliate Montgomery this week, handing the ball to LHP Tate Kuehner (3.29 ERA, 4 Ks in 13 2/3 IP) for Game 1. SS Cooper Pratt has lifted his OPS to .778 (in 70 PAs) after a solid stretch of games.

- LHP Jesus Broca assigned to High-A Wisconsin from Low-A Carolina - C Eric Martinez assigned to High-A Wisconsin from ACL Brewers - OF Kay-Lan Nicasia placed on High-A Wisconsin‘s 7-day injured list, retroactive to April 21

Seems a tad unfair that the Fireflies can trot out a guy whose name is literally “You don’t go” - Mr. Elvis Novas. Hopefully we can push this to extras and he can go rest somewhere.

On second thought, you’ve perhaps just watched the Half Inning of the Year!: 8 runs on 7 singles and 2 doubles. Holy mackerel!