Ro Mueller

Young Melvin Hernandez only allowed 1 run in 4 solid innings, but Carolina trails 1-0 through 6 frames. Going 0-for-5 with RISP and having 2 players picked off/caught stealing has hurt thus far. RHP Gerson Calzadilla enters for the 7th.

Carolina has their leadoff man aboard for the 4th time in 5 innings, this time via a Blayberg Diaz single. Let’s score this time (please). Down 1-0 at the moment.

That’s a solid return to action for Manuel Rodriguez (retired 6 of 7 in 2 scoreless innings; 22 pitches, 17 strikes), who gives way to RHP Melvin Hernandez, the 2nd youngest pitcher in the Carolina League. Yhoswar Garcia has the only hit for the Mudcats thus far (a bunt). He stole 2nd but was thrown out attempting to take 3rd. 0-0 game, still early.

AAA Nashville lead their home series against Gwinnett 2 games to 1, but can’t afford another defeat as they chase Columbus for a playoff spot. RHP Evan McKendry needs to put his rough 2024 behind him (5.42 ERA with 59 Ks in 78 IP). LF Isaac Collins has an 8-game hitting streak.

24-year old LHP Nate Peterson has been very solid for AA Biloxi over the past 2.5 months (2.86 ERA with 39 Ks in 34.2 IP) and they need him to come through again as they strive for a 3-2 series lead at Rocket City. Adam Hall and Casey Martin have been principally infielders in their careers, but they now comprise 2/3rds of the outfield.

3B Luke Adams and 1B Tayden Hall are together in the High-A Wisconsin lineup for the first time since August 18, looking to lead the Timber Rattlers to a win to even their series in Cedar Rapids 2-2. RHP Will Rudy will add to his team lead in innings (107.1 with a 4.86 ERA and 99 Ks), seeking his 6th Win.

We saw CF Braylon Payne’s hitting debut yesterday (1-for-4 as DH) and now we get to see him in the field! 19-year old RHP Manuel Rodriguez (3.30 ERA with 75 Ks in 92.2 IP) returns from his 31-day injury absence! Low-A Carolina seeks a 3-1 home series lead over Delmarva.

Roster Update: Durow to Wisconsin; DeBerry added from ACL Brewers ZEBULON – The Milwaukee Brewers recently announced a series roster transactions affecting the Carolina Mudcats active roster. The announced moves include the promotion of RHP Harrison Durow from the Mudcats to A+ Wisconsin and the addition of RHP Jaron DeBerry from the Arizona Complex League Brewers to the Mudcats. The Carolina Mudcats roster is currently at 30 active players and 10 on the injured list. In summary: 9/6: RHP Harrison Durow transferred from Carolina to A+ Wisconsin. 9/6: RHP Jaron DeBerry added to Carolina from ACL Brewers DeBerry will wear #34

Woodward would have eaten any playoff opponent alive. Sigh. Hope his injury is not actually serious at the end of the day and we see him in the Arizona Fall League.

I’m surprised that we didn’t see the organization shed more free-agents-to-be in recent rounds of cuts. In fact, I think it was only INF Yonny Hernandez and RHP Nolan Blackwood who fit this category. This suggests to me that the team puts a lot of effort into re-signing these kinds of players, happy to grab an 8th or 9th year on a AA/AAA player instead of having more ACL-level lottery tickets. With that context, it’s too bad that we weren’t able to convince RHP Max Lazar to renew his contract last winter.

OF Connor Scott placed on AA Biloxi's 7-day injured list, effective September 4

Biloxi won a nail-biter to stay in playoff position. First round pick Braylon Payne tripled on his first swing and Mitch White was solid, but Carolina and Nashville fell. Wisconsin couldn’t catch up. Transactions: INF Jose Acosta assigned to High-A Wisconsin from Low-A Carolina OF Braylon Payne promoted to Low-A Carolina from ACL Brewers RHP Eric Prado promoted to Low-A Carolina from ACL Brewers Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Gwinnett 9, Nashville 2 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: White Tosses Third Consecutive Quality Start, Sounds Fall to Stripers A bunt single and 10-pitch walk to open the game failed to derail starting RHP Mitch White (6 IP, 1 R, 4 H – all singles, 2 BB, 6 Ks), who recorded the 4th dominant start in his last 5 outings, further turning heads by hitting 97.9mph on the radar gun. Unfortunately, the Nashville bats were quiet this time out, so White exited with the game tied 1-1 and the Sounds’ bullpen was duly shellacked from there. 22-year old RHP Jacob Misiorowski walked the first batter he faced on 4 pitches in a troubling 7th inning where only 7 of his 21 pitches were strikes, exiting down 2-1 with the bases loaded and 1 out before the wheels fell off in a 5-run frame. Sounds’ Extras: LHP Tyler Jay and RHP Ryan Middendorf covered the final 2 2/3 innings, with Jay allowing 3 inherited runners to score (one unearned) and Middendorf then allowing 3 runs of his own. The Sounds’ 5 hits and 6 walks were spread around, with only DH Wes Clarke distinguishing himself: 1-for-2, HR, 2 walks. Friday’s outlook: RHP Evan McKendry gets the start, with Nashville leading the series 2-1 but trailing Columbus by 4.5 games for a playoff spot. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 3, Rocket City 2 Box Score and Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Bullpen Combines for 5.0 Shutout Innings, Defense Stars in Shuckers One-Run Win This felt like a playoff game, with both teams struggling to push runs across. 3B Brock Wilken got the clutch 2-run double to grab an early lead, but it was the bullpen and defense who truly shined. 1B Ernesto Martinez’ legs and glove proved invaluable, as he drew a 1-out walk in the 8th inning, then with 2 outs took 2nd base on a wild pitch and scored on left fielder Adam Hall’s opposite field base hit for a 3-2 advantage. RHP Harold Chirino set aside his miserable August (11 ER in 6 1/3 IP) to deliver 2 scoreless middle innings and set the tone for the Biloxi ‘pen. The defense of Martinez and 2B Ethan Murray made big stops to help RHP Blake Holub escape the 8th inning before RHP Justin Yeager shut the door. Shuckers’ Extras: Starting RHP KC Hunt battled, allowing the leadoff man aboard in each of the first three innings, ultimately conceding 2 runs and needing 84 pitches to scale through 4 frames (2 R, 3 H, 5 BB, 4 Ks). The Biloxi offense recorded just 3 hits, but 2 were clutch as outlined above and the third was a double by DH Lamar Sparks in the 2nd inning. Rocket City only produced 6 singles against the Shuckers’ stout staff. Friday’s outlook: LHP Nate Peterson aims to repeat his terrific work of last week (6 shutout innings), as Biloxi aims to grab a 3-2 series lead. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Cedar Rapids 5, Wisconsin 3 Box Score and Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Early Deficit Burns Wisconsin in Cedar Rapids Starting RHP Ryan Birchard magically escaped the first two frames (aided by a double play and an Eduarqui Fernandez outfield assist) before giving up two runs in the 3rd inning as he easily-exceeded his highest game pitch total of the season (69 pitches, 35 strikes). After Wisconsin failed to bring home 2B Felix Valerio from second base with nobody out in the 3rd inning, Cedar Rapids used the long ball and benefited from an error to bring home 5 runs against Birchard and RHP Brailin Rodriguez by the 5th inning. Two Timber Rattler solo homers (3B Jadher Areinamo – see video, DH Ramon Rodriguez – 2-for-4), a sac fly and a Fernandez walk narrowed the gap to 5-3 and brought potential game-tying run to the plate with 1 outs in the top of the 9th inning, but Wisconsin could not get any closer. Timber Rattlers’ Extras: Brailin managed to toss a scoreless 6th inning, with RHPs Aidan Maldonado and Bayden Root following with 2 scoreless frames to give the team a chance. Manager Victor Estevez tried a role reversal, with 1B Tayden Hall leading off and center fielder Luis Lara batting cleanup, though they combined for an 0-for-5 day with 3 walks. 3B Luke Adams unsurprisingly rested after returning from injury on Wednesday. Hopefully he’ll be a regular from Friday and SS Cooper Pratt will also return by the weekend. Friday’s outlook: RHP Will Rudy needs to shake off last week’s rough start (5 ER in 5 IP) and lead Wisconsin to even the series at 2-2. Final: Delmarva 12, Carolina 6 Box Score and Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Delmarva Rolls Past Mudcats An error and infield single to start the game gifted Delmarva a 2-0 lead against starting 19-year old RHP Bryan Rivera (4 2/3 IP, 4 R (3 ER), 8 H, 3 BB, 1 WP, 2 Ks), but Carolina immediately responded with 2 runs on 3 hits, the last coming on 2024 first round pick DH Braylon Payne’s first official minor league swing in his debut: In the third inning, the recently-turned 18-year old Payne watched 5 pitches for a full count before taking the ball the other way for a fly out to left. He then opened the 5th inning with a strikeout via pitch clock violation, then grounded out in the 8th with the game far out of reach. Two infield singles and a 2-run triple restored Delmarva’s lead in the 3rd inning against Rivera. In relief, RHP Morris Austin (2 1/3 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 WP, 2 Ks) retired the first 4 batters he faced before allowing 2 runs on 3 singles and a walk in the 7th inning. Nine Mudcat hits through 7 innings had only produced 3 runs, as they trailed 6-3 before Delmarva erupted in the 8th inning to put the game away. Mudcats’ Extras: The first 6 Shorebirds reached against RHP Jack Seppings in the 8th inning (2 doubles, 2 singles, 1 BB, 1 error), but he retired the next 3 and will obviously expect better results in future outings. 8 of the 9 Mudcats’ batters recorded hits, led by left fielder Miguel Briceno (3-for-4, RBI, SB), right fielder Reece Walling (2-for-3, double, BB), 2B Juan Baez (2-for-5, RBI, SB) and SS Daniel Guilarte (2-for-5). Briceno also went to the mound to throw a scoreless 9th inning, recording his first strikeout in his 7th career mop-up inning. Per Gold Caretaker @sveumrules, Payne’s debut makes him the youngest player in the Carolina League. Friday’s outlook: Carolina lead’s this week’s series 2-1 and looks to continue staying sharp and healthy in advance of the playoffs next week. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. The big club Milwaukee Brewers will kick off Friday action at home against the Rockies at 5:10pm CST, with Carolina following at 5:30pm and the three other minor league squads commencing at 6:35pm. 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

It is indeed LHP Russell Smith (2.96 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 9.3 K/9 in 45.2 IP) who gets the call to make his first start of 2024 for AA Biloxi, as they shoot for a 2-1 series lead at Rocket City while battling Mississippi in parallel for a playoff spot. 1B Ernesto Martinez Jr. has a 1.248 OPS during his 11-game on-base streak (43 PAs).

22-year old RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez has gotten excellent results for AAA Nashville over his last 8 outings (2.14 ERA with 40 Ks in 42 IP, benefitting from a .153 BABIP). They could use another one as they seek a 2-0 series lead at home against Gwinnett. CF Chris Roller has suddenly found a power stroke (3 HRs over last 4 games).

High-A Wisconsin welcomes back 20-year old DH/INF Luke Adams (Midwest League leader in walks (77) and HBP (38)) from a 17-day absence, as they look to grab a 2-0 series advantage at Cedar Rapids. 23-year old RHP Alexander Cornielle is on an excellent 3-game run (2 ER and 18 Ks in last 11.2 IP).

21-year old LHP Mason Molina (2 IP, 0 R, 3 Ks) makes his 2nd start for Low-A Carolina, who aim for a 2-0 home series lead over Delmarva. 2B Filippo Di Turi has a 15-game on-base streak (though just a .546 OPS in these games).

It looks like 6'7", 255lb LHP Russell Smith will make his first start (28th appearance) of 2024 for Biloxi tonight, as they cling to a 1-game playoff lead with 11 games remaining in the regular season. He's thrown 57 pitches and 58 pitches (highest of his 2024 season thus far) on mediocre rest (4 days, 3 days) in his last 2 outings, so don't be surprised if he hits 71 pitches tonight (matching 2023 season high) on 5 days' rest.

Great report, Joseph. It'll be interesting to see who Biloxi goes with on the mound tonight - KC Hunt on 4 days' rest? Or a bullpen game led by Bo Bowman and Russell Smith? It looks like we got Tayden Hall, Juan Baez, Manuel Rodriguez and Sam Carlson back yesterday, but may have lost Eduardo Garcia. Let's hope Garcia is okay and that we also see Luke Adams in action tonight!

Thanks to Spencer Michaelis for spotting this one: recently-turned 24-year old RHP Tanner Gillis (2024 Northern Kentucky University; 2019-2023 Cedarville University) -

Still no Connor Scott. I’m definitely feeling some daunt. The AA Shuckers need to grab a road win at Angels’ affiliate Rocket City behind RHP Nick Merkel (3.23 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 10.1 K/9 in 69.2 IP) to avoid an 0-2 series hole. C Darrien Miller and 2B Ethan Murray enter for Nick Kahle and Dylan O’Rae.

RHP Sam Carlson may be struggling here (walk, 2 singles in 9th inning), but at least he’s back in action after a 13-day absence. The real question is the availability of OF Connor Scott, whose bat is being sorely missed in this game. Shuckers trail 6-4.

DH/1B Tayden Hall returns from a 10-day injury absence for High-A Wisconsin, which is in Cedar Rapids for its final week of the regular season. 22-year old RHP Stiven Cruz makes his 4th straight start (3.46 ERA with 11 Ks in last 13 IP).

AAA Nashville hosts Braves’ affiliate Gwinnett this week, with well-rested RHP Chad Patrick (3.02 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 8.8 K/9 in 116.1 IP) starting things off. LF Isaac Collins has a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-19), along with homering in 2 of his last 3 games.