Ro Mueller

Jeez. The first play in today’s continuation game was a run-scoring, everybody’s safe fielder’s choice. (Maybe we should take the easier out in the first inning next time?) Two batters later, Rocket City hit a 2-out, 3-run homer. Tough tough start. But to their credit, Biloxi responded with 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in the 2nd frame, cutting the deficit to 4-3. Ernesto Martinez Jr. is already 2-for-2 with 2 RBIs.

3B Juan Baez is back, baby. The Low-A Mudcats are home for the final week of the regular season against Orioles’ affiliate Delmarva, before next week’s playoffs. 20-year old RHP Daniel Corniel (4.47 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 in 94.2 IP) starts the opening game of the series.

Or, hear me out: Wilson will get the mysterious injury designation (for the rest of 2024) and Hudson will get a 15-day option to AAA to make some temporary roster room:

After late season injuries to Yelich, Woodruff and Devin in recent seasons, I’m just praying our guys stay healthy. But yeah, I understand being concerned about whether Milner will be at his best. It’s still amazing to consider Ashby’s sudden turnaround from a truly awful several months.

It’ll be 23-year old LHP Tate Kuehner who gets to handle the long innings in AA Biloxi’s first game of the day:

We’ve been pretty conservative activating rehabbing pitchers, which I think is partly to avoid having to DFA anyone. But yeah, it gets interesting this time of year, with Nashville’s season ending September 22 and the playoffs commencing October 1. Enoli Paredes probably needs to be activated by September 15. Then there’s Hoby Milner and Nick Mears, who we probably want back on the MLB roster by September 21 or so to give them a few MLB outings before the playoffs. Don’t be surprised if we ultimately option Ashby and/or Milner if we decide they won’t likely be part of the initial playoff roster. If it comes down to a cruel cut, it’s probably between Paredes and Wilson. The emergency rip cord may be to burn Hall’s final option year, but I’m sure Arnold wants to avoid that.

Sunday’s minor league games were not competitive, but at least Eric Bitonti homered, Luis Lara shone offensively and defensively and Brock Wilken returned to action. For the week, Carolina (4-1) and Nashville (3-2) were series winners, while Biloxi (2-4) and Wisconsin (1-5) ended up on the wrong end of the stick. Transactions: LHP DL Hall recalled by MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville OF Brewer Hicklen recalled by MLB Brewers from AAA Nashville Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Cancelled (Rain): Nashville at Charlotte Via the Sounds’ website, rainout details: Rain Cancels Sounds and Knights Finale in Charlotte What had been expected to be a 7-game series at Charlotte ended up being just five games due to inclement weather, but at least Nashville was able to capture 3 of the 5 games. Next week’s outlook: Nashville (69-61) heads home to face Braves’ affiliate Gwinnett (66-66) this week, with RHP Chad Patrick (3.02 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 8.8 K/9 in 116 1/3 IP) scheduled to start the opening game on Tuesday. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Montgomery 10, Biloxi 0 Box Score and Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details, and we encourage readers to review affiliate write-ups as part of their Link Report routine: Shuckers Fall to Biscuits in Series Finale on Margaritaville Night If you clicked on the box score (out-hit 16-2; also committed 2 errors; K’d only 3 Biscuits), you may be searching for some positive notes, such as starting LHP Adam Seminaris somehow throwing 70 pitches (4 IP, 6 ER, 10 H, 1 BB, 0 Ks) in his second start of the week (after 83 pitches on Tuesday) in an attempt to preserve arms before 7 games in 6 days in the week ahead. Seminaris actually did all right through 7 batters (2 infield hits, 1 walk, 5 outs including a GIDP, 0 runs allowed) before the wheels fell off: 7 of the next 9 batters collected hits to give Montgomery a 5-0 advantage. RHP Shane Smith was probably the Shucker performer of the evening (2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB, 2 Ks), but the game was already 10-0 when he entered in the 7th inning. The offense was hitless until left fielder Adam Hall (substituting for Connor Scott, who exited after 4 innings) collected an infield single in the 5th inning off of old friend Evan Reifert. At least dependable right fielder Lamar Sparks (1-3) doubled later to give the team one hit to the outfield. Shuckers’ Extras: One of the highlights on a rough night on the farm was simply the return of 2023 first round pick 3B Brock Wilken (0-for-3, walk) to action after he was substituted during Thursday’s game and missed the subsequent two contests. I’d thought RHP James Meeker may be poised to eat several innings (he’d thrown just 34 pitches over 4 games in the previous 35 days), but he was limited to one inning of relief (1 unearned run), along with RHP Tyler Woessner (3 ER) and position player Ben Metzinger (0 ER). We also note that RHP Sam Carlson has not appeared in a game since August 21. Next week’s outlook: Biloxi’s (60-63) final road trip of the regular season takes them to Madison, Alabama for seven big games against Angels’ affiliate Rocket City (55-69), starting with a quasi-doubleheader (2-on, 1-out with the Shuckers pitching in the top of the 1st inning) on Tuesday. They lead the Mississippi Braves by 0.5 games in the quest to earn a playoff berth. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Quad Cities 15, Wisconsin 2 Box Score and Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: Rattlers Hit Sour Note in Home Finale Wisconsin’s media team has once again blessed us with video highlights which we greatly appreciate: Despite the defeat, we’re also fortunate to have this 20-minute Mehring/Lobner post-game podcast, including comments from rehabbing Hoby Milner and Manager Victor Estevez. The short-handed Timber Rattlers dropped a fifth straight game in their final regular season homestand of 2024, but are due back in Appleton for Game 2 of their semi-final playoff series on September 12. LHP Mark Manfredi (1 1/3 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 Ks) had thrown 45 pitches in Tuesday’s victory, but served as the opener on Sunday, working around two 1st inning walks before allowing 3 hits to 4 batters in the 2nd frame, handling over to RHP Yerlin Rodriguez down 1-0. Rodriguez (1 1/3 IP, 8 R (5 ER), 4 H, 4 BB, 1 WP, 2 Ks) was tasked with throwing a season high 55 pitches (only 24 strikes), retiring just 4 of 12 batters faced and exiting after a run-scoring error pushed Quad Cities’ advantage to 9-0 in the 3rd inning. As mentioned in the podcast, the game’s bright spots were center fielder Luis Lara (2 singles, walk, run, outfield assist) and Milner (3-up, 3-down 5th inning with 1 K). RHPs Bayden Root, Brailin Rodriguez and Dikember Sanchez garnered 8 strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings of work, but also allowed 4 earned runs, 7 hits, 3 walks, 1 HBP and 2 inherited runners to score, along with committing 1 balk. Timber Rattlers’ Extras: Having already qualified for the playoffs by winning the first half title, Wisconsin continued to let three regulars recuperate from injuries (Luke Adams, Cooper Pratt, Tayden Hall) while another rested (Ramon Rodriguez). As we also learned in the podcast, (i) Manager Estevez expects Hall back around Wednesday next week, Adams on Wednesday or Thursday and Pratt hopefully by Saturday or Sunday; and (ii) Mehring and Lobner don’t believe that 2B Jadher Areinamo’s exit after 4 innings was anything more than the Manager giving him a well-deserved rest amidst the blowout. Sunday marked Victor Torres’s (0-for-3) first game catching with the Timber Rattlers and first MILB start of any kind since June 20th. Next week’s outlook: Wisconsin (74-51) hits the road to Cedar Rapids (64-60) for their final series of the regular season, facing the Twins’ affiliate. RHP Stiven Cruz (3.86 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 7.2 K/9 in 56 IP) is expected to start the series opener on Tuesday. Final: Lynchburg 6, Carolina 2 Box Score and Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Drop Series Finale 19-year old LHP Anthony Flores (4 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 HBP, 2 balks, 4 Ks) took the loss but kept the Mudcats in the game, before the Hillcats pushed 4 runs across in the middle innings against Carolina’s bullpen. Right fielder Miguel Briceno (2-4, double, RBI) continued his solid recent stretch at the plate by doubling in a run with one out in the 5th inning to cut the deficit to 2-1, but was left stranded and the team trailed 5-1 half an inning later. While RHP Jesus Flores was tagged for those 3 runs (2/3 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 1 WP, 1 K), RHP Morris Austin stranded 2 baserunners for him and RHPs Jack Seppings (1 1/3 scoreless, 1 K) and Jeison Pena (1 IP, 1 K) each put in solid relief shifts. This was Pena’s first game action since August 11 after recovering from an injury. Mudcats’ Extras: 18-year old 3B Eric Bitonti (2-for-4, HR, double, RBI) is a threat to go deep every time he’s up, smacking his 8th blast for Carolina and 16th homer of the season, depositing the first pitch he saw in the 8th inning over the fence (solo shot). This was 4th round pick Marco Dinges’ second game behind the plate for Carolina, throwing out 1 of 3 attempted basestealers. However, he also saw his on-base streak end at 8 games (0-for-4). Next week’s outlook: Carolina (75-48) returns home for their final series of the regular season, hosting Orioles’ affiliate Delmarva (50-75). We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. While the minor league squads won’t be back in action until Tuesday, the Milwaukee Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals at 1:10pm CST on Monday. 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

I wasn't exactly sure how Biloxi intended to navigate its lean staff in today's game, but I'd hoped it didn't involve asking Seminaris to throw a starter's load on 4 days' rest. But yup, we've worked him to the tune of 83 pitches on Tuesday and 70 pitches today. To me, he's truly taken one for the team this week, even if that team presently trails 7-0 (5th inning - which Meeker covered) and has yet to register a hit.

AAA Nashville looks to clinch a 4-2 series win at Charlotte tonight, with RHP Chad Patrick on the mound and RF Noah Campbell sees his first game action since August 17.

3B Brock Wilken returns from a mini-absence and LHP Adam Seminaris makes his second start of the week as AA Biloxi aims for a 3-3 home series split against Montgomery.

Carolina’s final scheduled road game of the regular season sees them with a chance to complete a 5-0 sweep of Lynchburg. 19-year old LHP Anthony Flores has impressed through 5 Low-A games (2.37 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 in 19 IP). 20-year old Marco Dinges has been swinging the bat well (hit safely in 7 of 8 games, walked in the other) and this is his second MILB game behind the plate.

High-A Wisconsin has its last home game of the regular season, aiming to patch together a win to salvage a 2-4 series defeat to likely semi-final playoff opponent Quad Cities. LHP Mark Manfredi gets the start, but we’ll see how far he goes after tossing 45 pitches in Tuesday’s contest. The bench today comprises L. Adams, C. Pratt, R. Rodriguez, F. Valerio and T. Hall.

- RHP Aidan Maldonado activated from High-A Wisconsin's 7-day injured list

- RHP Bishop Letson placed on Low-A Carolina’s 7-day injured list, retroactive to August 28 - OF/INF Noah Campbell activated by AAA Nashville from Development List - LHP Hoby Milner sent on rehab assignment to High-A Wisconsin

INF Juan Baez also exited Carolina’s win early with an “injury delay” next to his last at-bat. Gulp

It’s the AAA Sounds turn for their doubleheader, with RHP Evan McKendry (5.28 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 7.0 K/9 in 75 IP) starting today’s opening game at Charlotte. C Francisco Mejia has a 1.081 OPS in 65 August PAs.

With the reduced level of Mudcat media in 2024 vs. 2023 (remember the Manager Estevez interviews?), I think it’s more difficult to get the pulse of what’s going on. Is it possible that Yhoswar was only signed for one season (like Dylan Moore some years ago)? Garcia’s production dropped in the second half of the season, but I couldn’t help but wonder if that was tied to disappointment at the lack of a promotion (ditto Alexander Cornielle one level up).

Mitch White’s start and Bryan Rivera’s middle relief work propelled Nashville and Carolina to victories. Biloxi and Wisconsin battled hard but couldn’t complete their comebacks. Transactions: RHP Garrett Stallings activated by AAA Nashville from Development List RHP Isaiah Jackson released by ACL Brewers RHP Brett Wichrowski placed on AA Biloxi’s 7-day injured list, retroactive to 8/28 3B Ben Metzinger activated by AA Biloxi from Development List Game Action: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Nashville 5, Charlotte 1 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, Collins Help Sounds Conquer Knights With Friday doubleheaders looming for both the Brewers and the Sounds, Nashville was counting on starting RHP Mitch White to provide extended innings and boy did he deliver. White’s 85 pitches over six innings (1 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 7 Ks) topped his previous season high of 69, keeping the Knights principally on the ground (peak line drive or fly out exit velocity of 91mph) and exiting with a 3-1 lead. Per the linked game report, 3B Isaac Collins (2-for-4, HR, walk, RBI, 2 runs) led off the contest with a solo homer, while C Francisco Mejia (3-for-4, walk) and DH Christian Arroyo (2-for-5, 2 RBIs) rounded out a solid top three of the order. After struggling to record strikes in his last outing, RHP Craig Yoho had no difficulty this time in a 3-up, 3-down 7th inning: 9 pitches (8 strikes) – soft liner, weak fly out, routine ground out. Sounds’ Extras: MLB roster expansion watch: 1B Tyler Black 0-for-4, right fielder Brewer Hicklen 0-for-3, walk, SB, run Well done to RHP Ryan Middendorf to keep the Knights off the board in the final two frames, inducing two ground ball double plays to help overcome two singles and two walks. After spending most of the 2021 and 2022 seasons in the Majors, then struggling with injuries in 2023 but ending that season strong enough in AAA to get the Blue Jays to re-select his contract in November to keep him off the market, White is now making the case to potentially earn a Major League contract this winter. Friday’s outlook: RHPs Evan McKendry and Taylor Clarke are the scheduled starters for Nashville’s pivotal doubleheader. They really need a sweep in order to start making up ground on red-hot Columbus (6 games ahead of the Sounds). Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Montgomery 7, Biloxi 4 Box Score and Game Log Via the Shuckers’ website, game details: Biscuits Pull Away with Late Homer, Shuckers Fall 7-4 With Wichrowski placed on the injured list, the call went to middle reliever Nick Merkel (3 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 Ks) to make his first start since his 2022 independent league days, despite throwing on 3 days’ rest. Unsurprisingly, the result was the end of Merkel’s 12 inning scoreless streak, but he did well enough to keep Biloxi in the game against a solid Montgomery squad (season record now 71-52), exiting after three innings and a season-high 59 pitches down 2-1. A 1-for-10 effort with runners in scoring position with 15 strikeouts isn’t going to win many games, but 1B Ernesto Martinez Jr. (2-for-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, run) and right fielder Connor Scott (2-for-4, double, run) continue to be dependable bats Shuckers’ Extras: Biloxi also lost the battle of roster attrition in this one, ending up with Ben Metzinger and Nick Kahle getting rare key at-bats following the 5th inning ejection of center fielder Adam Hall (arguing his caught stealing to end the 4th inning with Martinez on 3rd base) and somewhat surprising late exit of DH Brock Wilken 0-for-4, 4 Ks). In his first game action since June 11, Metzinger K’d twice to help strand three baserunners, while Kahle flew out to end the game with two baserunners on. Normally-reliable RHP Bo Bowman (3 IP, 3 R, 5 Ks) and LHP Russell Smith (3 IP, 2 R, 3 Ks) were unfortunately done in by a 3-run homer and 2-run shot, respectively, though still boast sub-3.00 season ERAs. Friday’s outlook: Biloxi remains in playoff position, but needs to start winning again. RHP KC Hunt is due to make his fourth start at the AA level (3.31 ERA with 23 Ks in 16 1/3 IP thus far), with the Shuckers needing a win to even the series 2-2. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Quad Cities 4, Wisconsin 2 Box Score and Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers’ website, game details: River Bandits Slam Wisconsin Despite the loss, we’re still blessed with video highlights from the Wisconsin media team: Continuing the Thursday theme of relievers thrust into starting roles, RHP Tyler Wehrle made his first start of the 2024 season, giving Wisconsin 4 2/3 innings and a season-high 76 pitches. The grand slam immediately followed an infield error which loaded the bases with one out, after which Wehrle retired 10 of the next 12 hitters. After narrowing the deficit to 4-2 by the 4th inning, Wisconsin had two baserunners on in the 5th inning and the leadoff man aboard in the 6th inning (C Ramon Rodriguez – 2-for-4) before their final 12 batters went down in order. As mentioned in the game report, the night’s highlight was really the terrific High-A debuts of relief pitchers Brailin Rodriguez and Dikember Sanchez: combined 4 1/3 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 3 Ks. Both are excellent stories, with 22-year old Rodriguez successfully making a long road back from injuries and 20-year old Sanchez casting aside middling results over three DSL seasons to impress throughout 2024. Timber Rattlers’ Extras: Well done to right fielder Eduarqui Fernandez to collect two hits and two stolen bases (19 thus far in 2024) as he attempts to dig out of a long funk at the plate (.190 season average, .606 OPS). Although Wehrle only allowed runs in one inning, it was a serious effort as he worked around the leadoff batter reaching base in the 1st, 3rd and 4th frames. Friday’s outlook: RHP Ryan Birchard is scheduled to make his fourth start, with Wisconsin needing a victory to even the series 2-2. Final: Carolina 7, Lynchburg 1 Box Score and Game Log Via the Mudcats’ website, game details: Mudcats Race Past Lynchburg 2024 seventh round pick LHP Mason Molina (2 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 Ks) made a successful Brewers’ organizational debut by starting and throwing two scoreless innings, but the real game story was 19-year RHP Bryan Rivera dominating over 6 frames and 81 pitches: 1 R (0 ER), 1 H, 2 BB, 4 Ks. Carolina’s 4-run fourth inning opened the scoring and basically put the game away, though the runs came home in unorthodox fashion (DH Marco Dinges infield RBI single, RBI ground out, 2-run “double” for 3B Miguel Briceno after a fly ball fell in between two conflicted outfielders). 1B Eric Bitonti had another solid game, reaching base four times (2-for-3, walk, HBP, RBI), while each of Dinges (3-for-5, double, RBI) and Briceno (3-for-3, double, SF, 3 RBIs) came aboard three times. Mudcats’ Extras: Center fielder Yhoswar Garcia stole three more bases to bring his total to 61 on the year, though he was also picked off in what was technically his 11th caught stealing. Carolina dominated in most respects, outhitting Lynchburg 11-3 while also taking advantage of three errors, 4 wild pitches and a balk by the Hillcats. RHP Gerson Calzadilla impressed in 2023 but missed most of the 2024 season with an injury, so the 1-2-3 ninth inning (2 ground outs, 1 fly out) had to feel nice. Friday’s outlook: RHP Jason Woodward is set to make his 3rd start in Low-A ball, as Carolina can clinch a series win with a victory. We hope that you enjoy the Minor League Link Report. The Milwaukee Brewers will kick off our Friday with their doubleheader in Cincinnati commencing at 11:40am CST, while the Sounds will get the 5-game MILB slate going at 4:30pm CST. Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article

- RHP Garrett Stallings activated by AAA Nashville from Development List - RHP Isaiah Jackson released by ACL Brewers