Joseph Zarr

Thanks for making my Monday morning coffee filled with Brewers Minor League baseball, Daniel! ? I must say, what RHP Taylor Floyd has done since that absurdly awkward home plate ump display by one Glen Meyerhofer on July 26th versus Cedar Rapids is absolutely and undeniably impressive. Lesser men might have completely lost their season after that debacle. Floyd has turned it around, shut it down, and pitched with a fire and impact we hadn’t seen since 2021. I see a pitcher throwing harder, with more precise movement, and, frankly, revitalizing his career. I am so proud of this young man and his fortitude.

Thanks for making my Monday morning coffee filled with Brewers Minor League baseball, Daniel! ? I must say, what RHP Taylor Floyd has done since that absurdly awkward home plate ump display by one Glen Meyerhofer on July 26th versus Cedar Rapids is absolutely and undeniably impressive. Lesser men might have completely lost their season after that debacle. Floyd has turned it around, shut it down, and pitched with a fire and impact we hadn’t seen since 2021. I see a pitcher throwing harder, with more precise movement, and, frankly, revitalizing his career. I am so proud of this young man and his fortitude.

Right?!? The first time I watched that, I had a [puts beverage down. pauses]: "I'm going to have to go back and review that at the commercial break."

Right?!? The first time I watched that, I had a [puts beverage down. pauses]: "I'm going to have to go back and review that at the commercial break."

RHP Anthony Perez is probably plunking batters because he has so much movement on his stuff. I would imagine he's struggling to find consistency with his two-seamer and this nasty (what appears to be) whip slider:

RHP Anthony Perez is probably plunking batters because he has so much movement on his stuff. I would imagine he's struggling to find consistency with his two-seamer and this nasty (what appears to be) whip slider:

I think the Brewers realize (well, I hope they do), Small needs an off-season in the Lab and not in competitive games. He pitched in the Dominican Winter League and then went right into ST and this season. I personally think he needs rest, analysis, study, and skill work. His current 'problem', from my eyes, is he's not comfortable with his 3rd and 4th pitches. He mentioned a new grip on a slider back in January - where is it? We only see his breaking ball but a few times each start. I trust they'll work these pitches hard in the off-season and I imagine they'll start really getting those pitches into game-scenarios in 2023. And, it may be a bumpy road. But, it's something he truly needs to start doing. The fastball and change-up will always be there. But, they've reached their peak of impact.

I think the Brewers realize (well, I hope they do), Small needs an off-season in the Lab and not in competitive games. He pitched in the Dominican Winter League and then went right into ST and this season. I personally think he needs rest, analysis, study, and skill work. His current 'problem', from my eyes, is he's not comfortable with his 3rd and 4th pitches. He mentioned a new grip on a slider back in January - where is it? We only see his breaking ball but a few times each start. I trust they'll work these pitches hard in the off-season and I imagine they'll start really getting those pitches into game-scenarios in 2023. And, it may be a bumpy road. But, it's something he truly needs to start doing. The fastball and change-up will always be there. But, they've reached their peak of impact.

I echo your sentiments on RHP Dylan File. Whereas it sadly seems like LHP Ethan Small is regressing (keeping in mind here, he's pitched a lot of baseball - if we recall he played through the winter in the Dominican League) and needs to regroup, File has simply gotten better as the season has progressed. I love the way he attacks the mound - of all the Sounds starters, I would challenge anyone to find a more dialed approach within the confines of a pitch clock. He's fast. He's a student of the game. I am rooting for his continued growth.

I echo your sentiments on RHP Dylan File. Whereas it sadly seems like LHP Ethan Small is regressing (keeping in mind here, he's pitched a lot of baseball - if we recall he played through the winter in the Dominican League) and needs to regroup, File has simply gotten better as the season has progressed. I love the way he attacks the mound - of all the Sounds starters, I would challenge anyone to find a more dialed approach within the confines of a pitch clock. He's fast. He's a student of the game. I am rooting for his continued growth.

It's always a wonderful day when I can watch RHP Stiven Cruz's leg-kick. There's a little bit of Elvis Presley in this get-off:

It's always a wonderful day when I can watch RHP Stiven Cruz's leg-kick. There's a little bit of Elvis Presley in this get-off:

Off speed was a work in progress - not pounding the zone. The heater was nibbling or dead on. The off-speed wasn't a distaster, mind you - it just wasn't dialed. But, he relied mainly on the heater and was obviously working that. Keep in mind, this was literally his first outing in real affiliated game action in two years. That needs to be acknowledged. Given that: a huge success.

Off speed was a work in progress - not pounding the zone. The heater was nibbling or dead on. The off-speed wasn't a distaster, mind you - it just wasn't dialed. But, he relied mainly on the heater and was obviously working that. Keep in mind, this was literally his first outing in real affiliated game action in two years. That needs to be acknowledged. Given that: a huge success.

This belongs here. You'll see a couple quick Logan Henderson highlights at the front touching on what I indicate above: heater and a sprinkled and effective change-up. You won't see his breaking ball which is anywhere but over the plate - dust off that rust, young man and try again next outing! You'll also see LHP Pablo Garabito's classic and effective location work. He is low velocity but crafty. Lots of off-speed stuff.

This belongs here. You'll see a couple quick Logan Henderson highlights at the front touching on what I indicate above: heater and a sprinkled and effective change-up. You won't see his breaking ball which is anywhere but over the plate - dust off that rust, young man and try again next outing! You'll also see LHP Pablo Garabito's classic and effective location work. He is low velocity but crafty. Lots of off-speed stuff.

The velocity was definitely still there - which is obviously encouraging. As was his mound presence - ie he looked healthy and fluid on the mound moving with purpose and the aggression you want from somebody in high leverage scenarios. He wasn't really all that wild - well, other than the full count pitch that made its way to the backstop...that one was a cannon ball. LOL. Thanks for reading and enjoying!

The velocity was definitely still there - which is obviously encouraging. As was his mound presence - ie he looked healthy and fluid on the mound moving with purpose and the aggression you want from somebody in high leverage scenarios. He wasn't really all that wild - well, other than the full count pitch that made its way to the backstop...that one was a cannon ball. LOL. Thanks for reading and enjoying!

Sal Frelick continued his blistering Triple-A on-base pace - a true sight to behold - while Nashville evened things up on the road in Jacksonville. Wisconsin barely mustered any offensive threats, unfortunately, wasting some truly fine pitching efforts. Biloxi ran into an all too familiar result in Montgomery while Carolina managed to work around another vintage 2022 Figueroa performance (who, according to manager Victor Estevez, is working through a finger issue of some form or another). Oh, and hey, both DSL Brewers squads notched victories. Let's check in on the Farm! Transactions: INF Alberis Ferrer was re-instated from Carolina's 7-Day IL RHP Jason Alexander was optioned to the Nashville Sounds by the Milwaukee Brewers RHP Trevor Kelley was recalled by the Milwaukee Brewers from the Nashville Sounds Stop the presses! We have a first MLB hit for catching prospect and 2022 Nashville Sound, Mario Feliciano: That's the stuff right there. May those knocks rain forth from here, young stud! And, lastly, on an evening with few if any highlights amongst the affiliated twitter accounts, let me offer an extremely enticing look at a young arm in the ACL in one RHP Anthony Perez. His numbers, to date, haven't met what I'm seeing here: a nasty two-seamer with an equally nasty breaking ball. This will certainly play if he can harness this filthy stuff. Movement is king and there is plenty in this clip. Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Nashville 6, Jacksonville (Marlins) 2 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Sounds Even Series with Comeback Win - Josh Lindbolm Delivers Quality Start and Sal Frelick Delivers Four Hits in Win In just his fourth career outing versus the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, RHP Josh Lindbolm was looking to build off his previous outing at home versus Gwinnett. Having scuffled quite often in the last month, it was a sight for sore eyes to see Lindbolm toss a season-high 9 K while holding the Stripers to a mere 2 H and 2 BB in his last outing in Nashville. That was vintage AAAA Josh Linbolm stuff right there - when he's 'on', any and every Triple-A ball club struggles to find their footing in the batters box. The Sounds were looking to even the series at 1-1. All told, Lindbolm built atop his last outing and certainly stacked success. He worked around a solo shot and a second run aided by a ball lost in the lights in deep right field that fell mere feet from Joey Wiemer's waving arms. Let's take a quick look at some key takeaways. Three Quick Strikes: 1) I've mentioned this a couple times in the past week or so since OF Esteury Ruiz has been on the Nashville Sounds roster: the art of the bunt single. I don't know when the Brewers have had a weapon like this in the system. I really don't. I've now seen three absolutely perfect bunt singles down the third base line in the past two weeks. This doesn't even get into the ability to sacrifice or move runners or suicide squeeze - these have simply been surprise singles. He does it with absolute skill and talent. I've typically been agnostic to the art of bunting because, frankly, most baseball players simply can't do it in the modern game. Well, this is a legitimate weapon in Ruiz's tool kit. In the top of the sixth inning, with Frelick having just reached on a walk (his third consecutive time reaching first base), Ruiz laid down an absolutely primo bunt down the third base line. Suddenly you had ridiculously dangerous speed on first and second base with nobody out. This is a notable development within the system. This is a weapon. 2) Speaking of Frelick, my goodness what a run this young stud is on. He is evolving, before our very eyes, into an absolutely dangerous lead-off weapon. In five trips tonight, he reached base all five times - three infield singles included in this buffet. If you follow his on-base capacities with the dangerous Esteury Ruiz, that's quite simply two young stallions looking to wreak havoc on the base paths. After his output this evening, he saw his batting average rise to 0.440 in Triple-A with a 1.065 OPS. Think about that. No, really, think about that. Frelick has gotten better with every promotion and has now achieved his literal best output in Triple-A. The sky is the limit with this young man and, sheesh, what a pleasure to witness. What's crazy about this current Frelick production is it is somehow pushing Garret Mitchell's fantastic Triple-A output onto the back burner. That's saying something. Go ahead, take a look at Mitchell's output to date in Nashville. Really. The future is briiiiight. 3) This is your RHP Trevor Rosenthal update: this was his first live action since August 29th of 2020, mind you. He came up to pitch the seventh frame for the Sounds and their 5-2 lead. Rosenthal came on throwing lasers. First batter? Three pitches. Three strikes. Out. Second batter? Three outside balls - including an off-speed. Two consecutive 98 mph heaters blown by the hitter. After several foul balls, Rosenthal skies a fastball to the back-stop. Hey if you're going to walk the batter? Give him a FREE pass?. At this point, he was throwing 95-99 routinely. Facing his third batter, he jumped up to an 0-2 count. Then a 1-2 count. And, he got a well-hit double-play ground out to INF Brice Turang (playing second base yet again tonight - with these new promotions, his CF days are most likely over in Nashville) and escaped unscathed. Outing numero uno: success. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Montgomery (Rays) 4, Biloxi 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please visit and review: Biscuits Take Down Shuckers 4-1 - Biscuits Take Down Shuckers 4-1 LHP Brandon Knarr had struggled mightily over his past five outings and that trend certainly continued in the first inning tonight. He did manage to limit the damage to two runs but he also gave up three hits and walked a batter in the process. If you consider over the past 27 2/3 IP (coming into tonight), Knarr had allowed 35 H, 9 BB, and 18 ER, it was suddenly starting to turn into a late-season troubling trend. We all know the challenges of maintaining pitching dominance - especially as a young arm with upside in a new League. So, how did Knarr fare overall this evening in Montgomery? Better. He certainly fared much better. Let's celebrate a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as the Shuckers bats were relatively silent for the most part and the team lost yet again in Montgomery. Overall, the Shuckers moved five games back of the first place Biscuits while Knarr moved to 1-6 with a 4.38 ERA in Double-A. Three Quick Strikes: 1) It took until the top of the ninth frame for the Shuckers to grab an XBH, but, who other than recently promoted red-hot Zavier Warren to accomplish this feat? Warren absolutely ripped a double to the wall in deep left center and nearly missed his first Double-A home run by a matter of 5-10 feet. That was the fifth hit, and as mentioned the first of an extra base kind, of the Shuckers evening and they were trailing 4-1 at the time. With Cam Devanney heading to the plate, there suddenly was a wee bit of drama in Montgomery. Oh, and the always-dangerous Cam Devanney walked. There were suddenly men on first and second base with zero outs. Drama indeed. 2) Well, just like that, Felix Valerio roped yet another extremely well-hit ball...into the sprinting outstretched glove of OF Kameron Misner in Montgomery's far right field warning track dirt. It was a heck of a run down by Misner and Zavier Warren was unfortunately picked off second base - a potential rally was suddenly squashed by a play that screamed "Well, sometimes, that's just baseball!" In the past month, I would park a flag on the hill of: "There isn't another player in the system that makes as good of contact as Felix Valerio with as little results to back it up." I've seen this young man punish so many balls in the past two weeks and they simply went directly into the mitt of opposing fielders. The hits have to fall...right? Right?!? 3) In a game where not all that much of significance happened in the Biloxi line-up, it is worth noting RHP Arnaldo Hernandez pitched a clean and crucial inning with a scoreless 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K sixth frame. I touched on it last week: Hernandez has struggled quite often since his IL return, but, he is certainly capable of clean innings. The ERA is bloated at present, but, let's hope that is simply a by-product of a rough stretch. Here's hoping the tides have turned. ? Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Cedar Rapids (Twins) 2, Wisconsin 1 Box Score/Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please visit and review: Cedar Rapids Outduels Wisconsin - Kernels Beat Rattlers 2-1 RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez took his 1-0 record and 0.90 ERA into the second game of the current six-game road series in Cedar Rapids. In his third start at High-A, Rodriguez was hoping to bring his deft mix of off-speed breaking pitches with tailing heat to even the series with the Kernels at 1-1. Let me just say this: he did not disappoint. This young hurler is an absolute stud. For a spry 20-year-old arm, he simply pitches well beyond his years. I already find myself saying: "He's already got the full Lindbolm aresenal in his tool kit. Where does he go from here?" This is the highest of compliments. Tune in to watch this young man work his magic. Three Quick Strikes: 1) I don't normally do something like this - actually, I never have...which should say something. When an announcer causes me to turn the sound off entirely and, honestly, consider not even watching the game - well, I'll say a brief something. I don't know who the Cedar Rapids home announcer is on the MiLB.TV apparatus and I'm not going to flat call him out by name here, but, a general heads up to all you committed and talented announcers: I absolutely appreciate it beyond measure when you actually know who your opponents are. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate it when you know who is actually at each base and who is actually on the base paths. I appreciate it when you can match a name to a face and to a position. I appreciate it when you add all that nuanced flavor to the Minor League telecasts. Please, keep studying up and making each and every game a true joy to watch. We are absolutely blessed in the Brewers organization - every affiliate level is filled with broadcasting talent in spades. Oh, right, there was a game. I watched quite a few innings...sadly, with the sound muted. 2) Game recognizes game. If I'm going to question Jackson Chourio in center field in yesterday's report, I'm certainly going to bring up his fantastic diving stop in dead center on a weak flare grabbing the second out in the bottom of the fifth frame. I had been waiting to see if this talented young man could lay out. Let me tell you: he absolutely can. He had a fantastic jump - step one. He then made the full on diving effort. He made the clean grab. It was a key out to prevent a base runner clinging to a 1-0 lead. You absolutely love to see it. For those of you with MiLB.TV, move your dials to 2:13:04 HERE on your replays. You will not be disappointed - this was a truly impressive grab. Somehow, we have no highlight of this catch - road game and all. You'll actually hear the dramatic pause by the Kernels announcer: he didn't even know Chourio was playing center field. Trust me. Unbelievable. 3) This game came down to one inning and one inning alone. Rodriguez was absolutely cruising...until he wasn't. He gave up a lead-off single in the bottom-half of the sixth inning. But, lo and behold, Darrien Miller threw to second base clearly grabbing the runner for the first out. A fist pump was executed in due fashion. Shortly thereafter, Rodriguez put two men aboard with consecutive full-count walks. RHP, and previously red hot, Robbie Baker (having retired 19 consecutive batters) was brought on to face a lefty. He gave up the tying single on a well-hit dug out ball to center field. An extremely wild pitch, high and inside, made it to the backstop advancing runners to second and third base. And, after deftly striking a batter out for the second out...Baker balked in the winning run. One word suffices here, and one word only: Ouch! Carolina Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Carolina 6, Fayetteville (Astros) 5 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please visit and review: Bullpen Dominates in 6-5 Carolina Victory - Carolina Scored Four Runs with Combo of Bases Loaded Walks and Hit by Pitches in their 6-5 Home Win Coming into tonight's contest, the Mudcats were sitting 5 1/2 games back of the second-half divisional leading Fredericksburg Nats (and their massive +67 run differential - yowza). RHP Jeferson Figueroa took the mound to start things off and he worked around a walk and a stolen base to strike out two batters on change-ups while striking out his last right-handed batter, after his 22nd pitch of the inning, on a 93 mph heater just outside the home plate stripe. A fine inning overall despite the elevated pitch count - Figueroa is known to struggle with location. Case and point, with the bases juiced and a 1-2 count, he offered up too much plate on a change-up here: Notice, the bases were juiced. There were no outs. When things fall apart for Figeuroa, they tend to fall apart like this - 2 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K, 5 ER on his evening. What has to be frustrating for the young hurler is he truly has a solid and unpredictable change-up pitch he can drop in on a dime. It's been absolutely up-and-down (mostly down) in 2022. He'll go yet another game with not a single mark in the 'W' column (still 0-7 in 2022). Lastly, please do check in on the post-game conversation between Mudcats manager, Victor Estevez, and Mudcats announcer Greg Young: Three Quick Strikes: 1) Seeing a runner reach second base in both the first and second innings was probably not all that surprising for Figueroa who has grown accustomed to base runners in 2022. However, INF's Jadher Areinamo and Eric Brown Jr. had no intentions of allowing the runners to score. Both young men made stellar diving stops and accurate darts to first to throw runners out and help their team escape unscathed. It's not often you see such stellar work at the Low-A level - let alone any level. These were web gems in the fullest sense of the phrase. Unfortunately, there are no highlights to share with you to showcase this incredible glove work. If they rear their heads tomorrow, I will share in the comments below. 2) The Mudcats presser speaks of the bullpen. Figueroa and the Mudcats team at large have much to thank for the continued fantastic bullpen work from RHP Miguel Guerrero. All told, Guerrero was solid once again: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 0 ER, 4 K. His scoreless work in the crucial early and middle innings paved the way RHP Michele Vassalotti's three inning save - the sixth save of his 2022 season. Without these two, tonight's contest may have turned south. 3) He gets a tag and a nod above, but it's worth highlighting here: INF Jadher Areinamo showcased why he's such an interesting prospect tonight. His diving stab and throw from well beyond third base to first in the early going was as web gem as it gets. To follow that work up with two singles and two RBI's? The icing on the cake. Do not sleep on this young man. He's a riser - you probably just don't know it yet. DSL Brewers #1 6, DSL Twins 4 Box Score / Game Log The DSL Brewers Uno got a much needed win versus the Twins and they did it in classic DSL fashion - consecutive wild pitches to take the two-run lead and, ultimately, the ball game. That's that vintage DSL stuff. A game ball will have to go to INF/OF Angel Pereira who led-off for the Brewers Uno. He managed to hit a single and get plunked twice (ouch!) while ultimately scoring three runs in the process. INF Luis Watter sat in the five-hole and managed a 2-for-3 afternoon - 1 2B (his fourth of the year), 1 BB, 1 K, 1 RBI. Watter did scuffle some in the filed with two errors - one apiece fielding and throwing from the hot corner - his 10th errors of the summer. INF Richard Rojas, batting sixth and playing second base, hit 2-for-4 with 1 RBI and 2 K. Wild pitches aside, the Brewers Uno did put the pressure on in solid fashion - a lead-off HBP, a single, then a run-scoring single - in the seventh inning. That tying single was hit to right field by consistently performing 1B/C/DH Edgardo Ordonez - 1-for-4 on the day with the timely RBI (0.292 BA / 0.811 OPS / 96 AB in 2022). He managed to plate OF Luis Lara who was sent on as a pinch runner. The DSL Brewers 1 moved to 20-34 on their season. DSL Brewers #2 5, DSL D-Backs Red 4 (completion of the 7/27 postponed game) Box Score / Game Log The DSL Brewers Dos came into this re-start contest looking to put pressure on the D-Backs Rojo and they managed to do so with six stolen bases on the day - 2 apiece for OF's Reminton Batista and Mendy Ferreira. Batista, interestingly, took three free passes on the day and plated two runs in a 0-for-0 line anomaly. The D-Backs managed to pull within one run in the top of the sixth (of a seven-inning affair) on a throwing error by INF Demetrio Nadal and a sac fly to center field. But, 21-year-old RHP Roman Perez was up to the task in closing this one out: 1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K, 1 S. This was Perez's first save of his 2022 season. The DSL Brewers #2 move to 26-27 overall - nine games back of San Pedro divisional leaders Texas Rangers Blue. We will see the fast-working workhouse RHP Dylan File on the hill for Nashville tomorrow as they look to claim a 2-1 series lead in Jacksonville. RHP Victor Castaneda will look to build on his recent successes and re-claim his status as the Biloxi Ace - the Shuckers are knotted at 1-1 in Montgomery. RHP Stiven Cruz will debut in Cedar Rapids for the T-Rats as they attempt to claw their way back into their ongoing road series - they currently trail 0-2 after tonight's tough loss. The Mudcats have yet to name a starter so stay tuned. And, we'll see a full slate of DSL and ACL games. That's eight total games across all levels. Please tune in to the daily Minor League Game Thread, and, as always, thanks for reading! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores 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 conversation had recently was during the South Bend series between @sveumrulesand I - Sveum was at several contests (all of them?) and I watched nearly all of them. When you see a true CF’er like the Cubs’ Crow-Armstrong, you probably tend to be skewed in your observations. But, the difference is palpable. Watching the dribbler throw on a grounder into CF last night - a play in which Chourio simply didn’t have a chance - got me revisiting the thoughts. I would offer, if I were to rank the defensive prowess of these top prospects I would go: Wiemer Mitchell Frelick Chourio Ruiz And, like I was saying in the Game Thread: Chourio is still just a spry 18 years old. If that hit tool continues to develop, you probably don’t care all that much as an organization but, at present, speaking realistically and outside the ongoing (deserved) hype: I’m unconvinced of his true position.

The conversation had recently was during the South Bend series between @sveumrulesand I - Sveum was at several contests (all of them?) and I watched nearly all of them. When you see a true CF’er like the Cubs’ Crow-Armstrong, you probably tend to be skewed in your observations. But, the difference is palpable. Watching the dribbler throw on a grounder into CF last night - a play in which Chourio simply didn’t have a chance - got me revisiting the thoughts. I would offer, if I were to rank the defensive prowess of these top prospects I would go: Wiemer Mitchell Frelick Chourio Ruiz And, like I was saying in the Game Thread: Chourio is still just a spry 18 years old. If that hit tool continues to develop, you probably don’t care all that much as an organization but, at present, speaking realistically and outside the ongoing (deserved) hype: I’m unconvinced of his true position.

Carolina was the Brewers lone full-season affiliate starting a home series - Wisconsin, Biloxi, and Nashville all took to the road. Results were mixed. The DSL Brewers 1 continued their recent skid of losing while the DSL Brewers 2 managed a classic DSL victory against all odds. Both ACL teams managed to pull out victories - one in dominant fashion and one on a walk-off ninth inning blast - as recent draftees and young prospects continue to make their mark. Let's get to the reports! Transactions: Lots of exciting movement and action today - promotions, first placements, and rehabs RHP Logan Henderson was officially assigned to Low-A Carolina from High-A Wisconsin. This is actually a promotion (he had been successfully rehabbing in the ACL) into his first full-time assignment in the organization RHP Stiven Cruz has been promoted from Low-A Carolina to High-A Wisconsin 3B Zavier Warren has been promoted to Double-A Biloxi from High-A Wisconsin RHP Yujanyer Herrera becomes the Mudcats youngest pitcher - he's been promoted to Low-A Carolina from the ACL Brewers Blue. RHP Trevor Rosenthal and C Omar Narvaez were sent on rehab assignments to Triple-A Nashville C Alex Jackson was retroactively placed on the 7-Day IL by the Nashville Sounds (retroactive to August 14th) RHP Shane Smith was sent on a rehab assignment to the ACL Brewers Gold - this is actually Smith's first official action for the Brewers organization since his signing in 2021 1B Ernesto Martinez (who had been rehabbing in the ACL) has been activated from the 60-Day IL by the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers INF Ashton McGee has been retroactively placed (August 14th) on the 7-Day IL 1B/3B Tyler White was traded by the Brewers from the Nashville Sounds to the Atlanta Braves And, real quickly, we have some more publicity for two of the Brewers fastest rising prospects in OF Sal Frelick and OF Jackson Chourio: Nashville Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Jacksonville (Marlins) 12, Nashville 1 Box Score / Game Log Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Sounds Thumped in Jacksonville - Nashville Loses Third Straight - Falls to 66-45 The Sounds took to the road on Tuesday to start their 13 day and 12 game road trip in Jacksonville. Brewers RHP Adrian Houser was looking to execute in what was earlier rumored to be his last rehab start. After his evening scuffling on the mound, he may want some more work. He struggled through the first couple innings - including three runs across in the first - where his worst enemy was the free pass. I don't know what it is in 2022, but Houser certainly isn't his sharpest self. Two unearned runs (in five total) doesn't really atone for five hits and three free passes in a mere 3 1/3 IP. Hopefully, he turns it around. Three Quick Strikes: 1) It was a "Hey Lipka, warm up the Jets!" kind of night in Jacksonville. The recently re-acquired outfielder tossed a 1 H, 1 HR, 1 ER ninth inning to close this ugly evening out for the Sounds. When the position players take the hill, it's rarely a good thing. Entertaining for the winning crowd? Sure. But, never an exciting affair for the losing team. Tonight, the Sounds saw their teammate literally take one for the team. 2) All was not lost offensively, despite the one run crossing home plate. The Sounds still managed nine hits on the evening - though, eight of these were singles. OF Garrett Mitchell continued his surge at the plate with a 2-for-4 evening including his second double in Triple-A (and the lone Sounds XBH). Omar Narvaez saw a successful rehab outing with a 2-for-4 evening batting second. And, 3B Weston Wilson hit 2-for-4 with the lone Sounds RBI. 3) Is it time to 'worry' about LHP Andy Otero? I don't know. What I can tell you is in seven outings covering July and August (13 IP) he has surrendered 20 H, 4 BB, 8 ER, with a mere 6 K. That type of output isn't going to bode well as the difficulty increases if he moves up for a stab at Major League hitters over time. Otero lacks any type of top-end velocity - he relies on location and effectively mixing his off-speed arsenal with a rising low-velocity heater. There is quite a bit to prove to himself, the Brewers, and other clubs as he looks to close out this 2022 season. Otero has had periods of success this season no doubt, but there are question marks abound. He'll be a Minor League FA after the season ends. Biloxi Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Biloxi 5, Montgomery (Rays) 3 Box Score / Game Log Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please visit and review: Steady Offense and Shutdown Bullpen Guides Shuckers to 5-3 Win - Warren Collects First Double-A Hit, RBI Coming into this Montgomery series (in Montgomery), the Shuckers were 2-16 at Montgomery over their past 18 knocks. Ummmm, that's not good. Coming into this game, the Biscuits hadn't lost a full nine-inning tilt in the month of August. The Shuckers were outhit tonight 10-8, but they weren't outdone. We'll thank the bullpen for their combined 5 1/3 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 5 K (should have been 6 - cough), 1 R. This was a good one. Dare I say it: the Shuckers are playing fine baseball of late. I already want to take it back. Gulp. Three Quick Strikes: 1) I talked about INF/OF Felix Valerio during my last report and, lo and behold, he smacked a two-run jack tonight. You can only go so long making the kind of contact he's been making before results start to rear their head. I again encourage deviating from box score gleaning and trusting what I see: he's roping balls. He's struck out a mere four times to three walks in August. The results will come. This contact has been regular of late - the results simply have not. It's that simple: 2) He may be in Double-A, but let's not pretend RHP Cam Robinson isn't lights out still. It doesn't matter if the home plate umpire blows a clear third strike call on his lead-off batter (and, boy, was it a dead middle whiff from back behind the catcher - yikes). He'll stab a hard hit ground for out number one. No matter if a broken bat flare is plopped between Valerio and Whitley into right field. Robinson will hunker down and induce the game-ending double play ball to newly christened 1B all-star, Zavier Warren. Robinson sealed the deal and merely the third Shuckers win in Montgomery over the past 19 games. They moved within four games of the first place Biscuits. Here's the aforementioned zesty double play to close the game: Special mention will also go to winning pitcher, RHP Kent Hasler, who continues to impress since scuffling when first promoted. He's been generally lights out of late and he deserves recognition. 3) Kudos are definitely due to OF Garrett Whitley and his continued output since his re-assignment. After receiving Southern League Player of the Week honors, he backed that up with a 2-for-4 night, 2 R, 2 SB, and an OF assist. It's hard to toot a horn loud enough for the work we're seeing from CF Corey Ray, INF Andruw Monasterio, and, now, OF Garrett Whitley in Biloxi. The oft-used phrasing 'consummate professionals' comes to mind. Mr. Whitely, I see you and I salute you. I wish you continued excellence. It's been a true joy to witness. Wisconsin Pre-Game Media Notes Final: Cedar Rapids (Twins) 7, Wisconsin 2 Box Score/Game Log Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please visit and review: Kernels Hold Rattlers in Check - Wisconsin has Four Hits in 7-2 Loss at Cedar Rapids RHP Justin Jarvis continues to face the classic youthful obstacles in his path to the truly christened Ace of the Timber Rattlers staff. I've seen him have great success in 2022. And, then again, I've seen him give up three-run home runs to put his team behind the eight-ball like he did tonight. Three Quick Strikes: 1) Here's a possibly controversial take: OF Jackson Chourio is absolutely incredible but I have a difficult time believing his future is in center field. When we have speedsters like Sal Frelick, Garrett Mitchell, Esteury Ruiz, and Joey Wiemer currently slotted above the young stud, and I see what I consistently see when the ball leaves his young arm, I'm left wondering if he isn't misplaced at present. The hit tool is obviously electric - I would never question this. But, the speed, though it's good, isn't otherworldly and the arm is, honestly, more akin to a second baseman's arm. That's my take. Change my mind. 2) RHP Tyler Gillies looks like a different pitcher in the late 2022 season. How about three strikeouts in his first inning - three dazzling K's mind you. He's seen limited time in 2022 coming off his cancer treatments, but, folks, he's getting stronger and more impactful. His fastball and leg kick have a nice marriage and he is mixing in some nice off-speed stuff. I'm looking for even better things to close out his 2022 comeback season. He's moving further and further away from a feel good story into a legitimate bullpen piece. The two-run home run jack aside, I'm keeping with these sentiments. It was a nice swing on a slightly hung inside breaking ball to a 2022 first rounder and potent lefty. He finished with 5 K in 2 IP. That's wonderful work - the home run jack aside. You be the judge: 3) The T-Rats staff and tantalizing catching prospect Jeferson Quero allowed six successful stolen bases on the evening. That was a 6-for-6 effort overall. Having seen Quero throw runners out quite consistently before tonight, I honestly give the Kernels massive credit for incredible timing - on both their get-offs and the pitch selection. There was very little opportunity for Quero though a couple of the attempts were quite close. Let's see how this dust settles through the rest of the series. Regardless of the how and why, this isn't a night Quero will consider a feather in his illustrious defensive cap. Carolina Pre-Game Notes Final: Carolina 6, Fayetteville (Astros) 0 Box Score / Game Log Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please visit and review: Carolina Cruises to 6-0 Victory with Six Run Second - Pitchers Logan Henderson, Pablo Garabitos, and Brannon Jordan Stifled the Fayetteville Offense in Carolina's Series Opening Victory Give me a moment, please, I'm still finding my way out of the by-line. I eagerly tuned in to view RHP Logan Henderson's first start at Low-A Carolina. He worked around an opposite field rope to the right field wall and a wild pitch in the first inning, but he ultimately finished with the single knock and 2 K - he never felt remotely threatened. He then surrendered a broken bat flare to shallow right center field in the second inning, but saw the threat end when Hedbert Perez laid out and made a nice catch in right field. The breaking balls were completely wild tonight - they were way outside and high or, well, in the dirt. It was simply one of those evenings. However, the fastball was dialed and the change-up was effective. All in all, this was a very successful first outing for the young man and something we should be excited about. I'll continue to tune in and monitor his progress. Three Quick Strikes: 1) Jace Avina hitting at Five County? We call it 'Choice'. He must love his new home ballpark. He came in to tonight's contest hitting a ripe 0.444 at Five County. Well, through two innings that average went UP. He roped a double over the third baseman in the first inning and followed with an absolutely crushed grand slam over the wall in deep right center. Whewwww. It was a sight to behold. He was dialed in and swinging freely. Those are not short walls in Five County whatsoever, mind you. 2) In a recent insightful article by our very own @Mass Haas, HERE, we see young catcher Jose Sibrian is up for Minor League free agency after the 2022 season. Well, if his recent run of play is any indication I can near guarantee you the Brewers brass want to keep this young man in the catching stable. He's been one of, in not the, hottest hitters on the young and talented Mudcats roster of late. If we consider August as a whole - 0.304 BA, 0.838 OPS entering tonight's contest before he ripped a double to deep right center - one sees what I see: this is a very talented young catcher. The Brewers garner a lot of attention for their acquisitions of middle infield and center field prospects. I'm here to tell you: I challenge anyone to name an organization with more catching depth - especially considering the additions after the 2022 draft. 3) LHP Pablo Garabitos doesn't wow you with velocity - he is a finesse pitcher by every measure. But, he certainly impresses with his mix and his efficacy. After another scoreless and clean multiple-inning outing (5 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 6 K), Garabitos grabbed the win and saw his 2022 record move to 4-0. He has pushed an already impressive August into promotional consideration status: 16K:2BB after tonight. 15 2/3 IP over four outings, 12 H, 2 BB, 16 K, 2 ER. That's really fine relief work at Low-A. This builds on an already impressive 2022 resume overall. Let's hope he continues to shine as a workhorse out of the pen. ACL Brewers Gold 4, ACL Guardians 3 Box Score / Game Log Well, it certainly seems like it was a night to remember for previously struggling 19-year-old Venezuelan OF'er Diego Larez. He completes his evening (1-for-2, 2 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 HR) with a one out, 0-2 count, ninth inning walk-off blast to left center field giving the Gold the 'W'. Electric. 2021 mid-summer signee and Wake Forest alum, RHP Shane Smith, got his first action for the Brewers with a clean opening frame while shaking off some rust - 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K. Smith was followed by continually dominant 2022 11th Rd draftee (Eastern Michigan), RHP Cameron Wagoner, and his 3 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 3 K of work. Wagoner is definitely one to notice in the early going. INF Gregory Barrios continued his run of offensive output going 2-for-3 with 1 R and 1 RBI. Over his last three contests, Barrios is a combined 6-for-11 with a double. ACL Brewers Blue 10, ACL Athletics 4 Box Score / Game Log This one was over early when the ACL Brewers Blue put up a seven-spot in the top of the first. That's the kind of run support we can all get behind. Offensive game balls go to 2022 draftee 1B/C Tayden Hall (2-for-5, 2R), 18-year-old Venezuelan C Jason Ollarve (3-for-5, 1 R, 3 RBI, 2 K), and 2B Jamal Zalm (2-for-4, 1 R, 3 RBI, 2 K, 1 3B). On the pitching side of things, 2022 UDFA signings RHP's Ryan Brady and Jonathan Beymer pitched a combined 3 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, and 5 K to get the game started in shut down fashion. RHP Quinton Low pitched another scorless inning (0 H, 0 BB, 1 K). And, 19-year-old RHP Samuel Dario closed it out with a clean and scoreless, 1 K, ninth frame. DSL Tigers 9, DSL Brewers #1 1 Box Score / Game Log From last week's failed make-up on the 11th, we offer you a glimpse through the Minor League Report 'Looking Glass': Well, sheeesh, too bad we couldn't offer you a prop bet. None the less, the no-hitter was broken up but the result certainly didn't change. The Brewers Uno did manage to pull within 4-1 in the bottom of the sixth on a wild pitch and, well, they graciously gave back a five-spot in the final seventh frame. Those runs were charged to 18-year-old RHP Leonardo Rivera who had actually allowed a mere three earned runs in his past five outings. The young men will want to quickly move on from this one. DSL Tigers 5, DSL Brewers #1 2 Box Score / Game Log After weeks of admirably fighting to stay 8-10 games under 0.500, it would appear the Brewers Uno are seeing things slip away as of late. In the second game of their day, the Brewers Uno fell yet again to the Tigers. The closest the youngsters would come is when they plated a run in the top of the fourth inning to pull within 2-1 when a Jose Pena sac fly to left field plated Jhonny Severino. Pena later knocked in the second and final run on a ground out. Ultimately, the Uno wound up 0-for-8 with RISP and were out-hit 11-4. Going 0-for-3 on his day with a walk, OF Luis Lara saw his OPS dip below 0.700 to 0.698 as his ongoing slump continued. DSL Brewers #2 6, DSL Cubs Red 3 Box Score / Game Log Hey, it's a DSL Brewers victory - they've been in short supply of late. Let's give kudos where they're due: wild pitches, walks, errors and balks...oh my! In a classic DSL result, the DSL Brewers went 0-for-13 with RISP and hit zero long balls. But, they were the recipients of sloppy Cubs play and ultimately left the contest with a 'W'. Lefty Anfernny Reyes appears to have had a sloppy day on the hill tho he did manage to limit some damage with two pick-offs: 4 2/3 IP, 7 H, 6 BB, 3K, 3 ER. Lefty David Dominguez and righty closer Nelson Cuevas continued their fantastic Augusts combining for 4 2/3 IP of 2 H, 6 K, 0 R ball. Of brief note offensively, INF Johan Barrios went 2-for-4 with 1 K on the day (0.298 BA, 0.730 OPS in 104 AB in 2022), C Brayan Oropeza logged the lone XBH - his 3rd double of the summer - and went 1-for-3 with 1 BB and 1 K (0.213 BA, 0.735 OPS in 75 AB in 2022), and OF Reminton Batista logged his 16th stolen base of his summer. Stay tuned tommorrow as the DSL Brewers take to the diamond in the morning hours. We'll see RHP Josh Lindbolm try to stack success coming off his last dominant start - the Sounds will look to even things up in Jacksonville. LHP Brandon Knarr will attempt to re-discover his earlier form and RHP Carlos Rodriguez will look to build off a dominant home outing versus South Bend his last time on the hill. At publish time, Carolina's starter is yet to be announced. As always, thanks for reading! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scores Standings and sortable stat pages Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and Depth Current Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article