Joseph Zarr

Fantastic report, Jim. Lots to digest in an extremely full day. Carolina's late funk is eerily reminiscent of last season's disastrous final series in, you guessed it, Down East. This season, for whatever reason, it's the inability to take advantage of Home Cooking. I will say, the Woodpecker's standing and record coming into this series was very mis-leading. They were in first place after their first two series of the year. AND, they have suffered an inability to score a single run in each and every extra-innings affair to date. Regardless, it's hard not to encounter feelings of: "Here we go again..." as a fan of the Brewers organization as a whole. 😔 All there is to say, fans, is: Keep the faith.

As to the DSL Crew Dos walk-off, I had to re-review after the game ended. Understandable, Jim. It appeared the original single and throwing error advance successfully stole third in a double steal. The Crew grabbed the runner at 2nd, however. Then the K. Two down now. Then the rbi walk-off single.

Wonderful report, Daniel (and Jim). Thanks for the read over coffee and surprising rain showers!

Sigh. Best of luck moving forward to all these men. I spend a lot of time watching these guys and I admittedly get attached to certain players. Farewell, Pablo, my Sweet Prince. Hopefully, this isn't due to extenuating injury circumstances. And, I sincerely hope everything is safe and sound in his life beyond baseball. This one is quite surprising given how stellar he was in 2022 (including a random, albeit super brief, stint with Nashville!). I had really high hopes for this young man. It's a sad baseball day for me. My pennants are waving at half mast.

It was Double Double-Header Make-Up Wednesday for the Sounds and Mudcats. The Mudcats continue to inexplicably play middle-of-the-road ball at their home ballpark. The Sounds split. The T-Rats cruised late. The Shuckers held on. Let's get into the report! Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic Game Balls: INF/OF Noah Campbell absolutely gets the nod for his two homer 6 RBI game two in Jacksonville. Those long balls were not cheap. His second moon shot, a three-run jack, nearly left the entire ballpark. OF Je'Von Ward gets the nod for his two doubles in a 3-for-4, 2 R, 1 RBI performance. He nearly ended the game on a web gem catch at the wall to boot. He saved that honor for INF Eduardo Garcia on the ensuing play (more below). INF Tyler Black is now a part of the Shuckers record books. You don't extend your on-base streak to 28 games, break a franchise record, and not get more than one mention in this article. LHP Robert Gasser gets the nod for his 7 IP CG effort in Game 2 in Jacksonville. The recipient of more ridiculously bad luck on extremely weakly hit grounders and pop fly HR's, his line would have looked even better had the baseball gods not been sleeping throughout. RHP Abner Uribe gets the nod here. He tallied his 6th save on the calendar year in a 1 IP, 1 H (a broken bat seeing eye liner up the middle), 0 BB, 2 K outing. Transactions: OF Jesse Winker was sent on his rehab assignment to the Nashville Sounds C Brent Diaz was activated by the Nashville Sounds INF Brice Turang was optioned to the Nashville Sounds from the Milwaukee Brewers Game #1 Final: Jacksonville (Marlins) 4, Nashville 1 Box Score / Game Log Game #2 Final: Nashville 11, Jacksonville (Marlins) 4 Box Score / Game LogGame Notes Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Sounds Split Twin Bill in Jacksonville RHP Caleb Boushley probably deserved better considering his ability to work around batters in a 5 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 7 K outing. LHP Robert Gasser definitely deserved a better final line. An absurd fifth inning saw two improbable 90 mph EV pop flies leave the yard in left field as the wind had miraculously shifted out LF way the inning prior. These improbable long balls came after two botched ridiculously weak choppers ate up INF's Patrick Dorrian and Eddy Alvarez. Throw it in the trash. Gasser was very good overall. We'll take it as another building block off his last shutdown outing. He is definitely trending. Three Quick Strikes: 1) I am going to say this now given what I witnessed in game two of todays' double-header: I am unconvinced the ABS system is always functioning as it should. There, I said it 😅. Let me be clear: I am all about the ABS system. I am unabashedly in support of the system given what I consistently see when human umpires are left to their own devices (don't get me started on Minor League infield umpires). But, I do want to ask: What and how is an automated strike zone determined from batter-to-batter? What oversights do we have in place to ensure the system is actually calling balls and strikes accurately throughout the game? The Jesse Winker called strike three in the third inning of game two was a sinker that landed in the right-handed batters box. The catcher slid a good three feet to his left. I welcome a deeper understanding. 2) Before a C Brian Navarreto deep fly landed just shy of the right field warning track to end the Sounds seventh inning, the Sounds had scored one run or more in every inning of game two of the double-header. It was a far cry from game one when a late INF Cam Devanney 447 blast to straightaway CF prevented a 4-0 shutout. Game two was about as fun as it gets as a Sounds baseball fan. Hits, hits, and more hits. Go ahead and check out that box score. 3) It pains me to say it, but RHP Ryan Middendorf continues to allow base runners and runs in nearly every outing in 2023. It's a season that is quickly getting away. This is a far cry from what we were all looking for coming off a shutdown AFL performance and a brilliant debut season for the Brewers in 2022 - his first in affiliated ball. I will say, the one thing I've noticed as a daily watcher he appears to be playing tighter than he did all of 2022 - I see it in his delivery and I see it in the very tight mechanical nature of his pitches. If he is to reclaim last year's glory, I would opine he needs to loosen up a bit across the board without losing what holds it all together. Final: Biloxi 4, Mississippi (Braves) 3 Box Score / Game LogGame Notes Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please visit and review: Black Sets Franchise Record with 28-Game On-Base Streak in 4-3 Win RHP Christian Mejias continues to give solid outings to manager Mike Guerrero and his Shuckers teammates. He may hiccup from time-to-time, but more often than not of late Mejias is giving you at least five solid innings. He completed 5 1/3 IP tonight of 3 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 7 K baseball. That will play most nights. Three Quick Strikes: 1) A huge congratulations are in order for super prospect, INF Tyler Black. What an offensive season for an incredible offensive talent: 2) Last year, in the summer months, INF Andruw Monasterio was sent down to the Biloxi Shuckers from the Nashville Sounds. The Brewers wanted to get him more playing time with a veteran-laden loaded Nashville dugout. He rose to the occasion. He is now a Brewer - improbably, perhaps, but he always showed flashes. I'm going to the pitching side in 2023 to discuss the continued excellent work I see from RHP Luis Contreras. Contreras was sent down early in 2023 even though he had been performing quite well in Nashville. Perhaps this was due to the loaded Sounds bullpen or, perhaps, it was a move made to give some other arms International League run as well. Regardless, nearly every outing I see in 2023 he makes a case he is a very underrated and, somehow, under-the-radar arm in the Brewers relief corps. He has very good ride and deceptive movement on his heater that touches 95-96 mph with regularity. He has some off-speed he can sprinkle in to keep hitters honest. If you don't know him, you do now. I'm a fan. 3) This game came down to an unearned run for the Shuckers and the tremendous scoreless 4 2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 7 K, 0 ER from the combined bullpen effort of the above-mentioned Contreras; RHP Abner Uribe (6th Save in 1 IP, 1 H, 2 K), RHP Zach Vennaro; and LHP Nick Bennett. Just fantastic shutdown stuff from the relief corps adding mightily to a win that evened up the series at 1-1. Final: Wisconsin 9, West Michigan (Tigers) 4Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please visit and review: Rattlers Comeback Breaks Whitecaps This was a much better outing for RHP Cameron Wagoner than most of recent High-A memory. We can build off an outing like this. He didn't walk a batter. He limited base runners overall - six total hits in five complete innings is great work. All damage came in the third frame. He allowed his team the opportunity to make a game of it. And, make a game of it they did when they knotted everything at three runs apiece scoring two runs with two down in the sixth frame. Overall, Wagoner completed 5 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 3 K, 3 ER. The T-Rats are now winners of two straight at West Michigan to open the series. They are creeping their way back to ten games under 0.500. Kudos are due for the young men as they continue to try and steady the ship and get their season trending in the right direction. Three Quick Strikes: 1) I loved the aggression on the base paths from the young T-Rats legging out several borderline singles into doubles. I loved the AB's throughout. This was just a much much better version of the T-Rats overall. They worked the counts and drove several relievers from the game. They were extremely patient - something noted on more than one occasion by the Whitecaps' broadcast crew. I'll take this version of this team any night. 2) C/DH Darrien Miller continued his clutch moments with a two out double to right center field scoring C Matt Wood and pulling the Timber Rattlers within one run in the middle innings. Miller has been rising to the occasion quite a bit lately and is currently solidifying his bat as the 'must play' variety. We've seen runs like this in the past from the talented young lefty bat, but, as always, the challenge has been maintaining the consistency. 3) A play after LF Je'Von Ward missed corralling a wildly tailing fly ball to the wall in deep left field, INF Eduardo Garcia made what was quite easily the defensive play of the day throughout the Brewers Minor League system. Unfortunately, being a road game, we have no highlight to offer you. Let me just say it was a flat out winning play. With a runner on second base and two down, Garcia made a completely sprawling diving stop past the dirt into the shallow left field grass. He leapt to his feet with all momentum still carrying him into the outfield grass and delivered an absolute dead accurate missile to first base. He's made several charging tricky transfer plays of late as well - from 3B and SS. He continues to dazzle in the field. Game #1 Final: Fayetteville (Astros) 3, Carolina 1Box Score / Game Log Game #2 Final: Fayetteville (Astros) 5, Carolina 2Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please visit and review both game summaries: Late Rally Falls Short in Game 1 Loss to Fayetteville Mudcats Fall 5-2 While Dropping Both Games of Doubleheader 18-8 Away from Five County Stadium. Now a game under 0.500 at the home ballpark?! The young Mudcats lost both games of their double-header today against the pesky last place Woodpeckers. RHP Quinton Low started the first game and gave manager Victor Estevez 2 IP of solid work - 1 H, 0 BB, 3 K. The heater was touching 97-98 and the off-speed was dancing off that gas. RHP Aidan Maldonado grabbed the start in game number two and didn't fair as kindly: 2 1/3 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 3 K. That shutdown debut where Maldonado was dominating the zone and attacking hitters feels like a lifetime ago. Let's hope he can turn it around. Three Quick Strikes: 1) After shaking off the rust in his debut, RHP Will Childers did get better in spurts. His first registered run is recorded as a balk. The second came via a throwing error to third base by C Blayberg Diaz (that runner had advance to 2B via the same balk). The third run, however, came in his fourth inning of work and it highlighted what in my humble viewing opinion is a current area of development: his four-seamer invites hard contact. He has a plus breaking ball. He absolutely does. Childers achieves very nice break that can leave the zone quickly: But, the four-seamer is, simply put, all too flat at present. It left that hand on an extremely level plane - very little ride and very little movement. I saw several 100 mph plus liners - including the home run that left in a hurry over the left field wall. This is a first outing so we take this observation with a precious grain of salt but the ball doesn't lie. Nor did the EV leaving those bats. 2) I've seen so many blown calls on the base paths this week going against the Brewers affiliates, I'm going to quickly show you what these players are dealing with on a nightly basis. First and foremost, a reminder is due here: there is only a single infield umpire in Low-A Carolina. But, in a tight playoff race in a bases loaded two-out scenario for a team that hasn't seen the playoffs in 10 years, blown calls like this... have happened far too many times for my liking. This was really a crucial blown call. And, well, I guess my point is: there is nuance to the stat line and the box score that mostly goes unseen. I salute the young men as they accept this fate with far more acceptance than I ever could. 😂 3) Two things repeatedly stand out in near every Mudcats contest (especially since 'Mr. Always On-Base', INF Daniel Guilarte's extended IL stint): INF Luke Adams has plate patience well beyond his years and INF Gregory Barrios is a different batter since the calendar flipped to May. All Adams needs is some more luck - 0.213 BABIP and his BA just don't tell the tale. A breakout feels imminent. All Barrios needs is further distance from his extremely rough start. Over his last 10 games Barrios has an 0.811 OPS while hitting 0.325. Zesty! Please return tomorrow when my cohorts begin covering the return of our DSL/ACL teams and the coveted 7-game affiliated write-up. DSL teams will be hitting the diamond in the morning hours. ACL teams will be the bookend final chapter in the later hours. The headliner will be RHP Jacob Misiorowski's High-A debut in West Michigan. But, really, this shouldn't overshadow RHP Logan Henderson back in Carolina or RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez down in Mississippi. It's been a fun few days. As always, thank you for reading and thank you for supporting Brewers Minor League baseball! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scoresCurrent Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and DepthCurrent Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article

This is what I needed to hear, partner. <insert Clint Eastwood hat tip gif here>

This is fair. This being said, I would still propose he didn't look all that good working on his fastball. 🤣 That sailing release point is something I saw all last year with LHP Russ Smith - and, no, I am not comparing the two. I would love if the Brewers had a month to spare so Lauer could keep working on his toolkit to the tune of 4-5 outings. Then see where the dust has settled. Unfortunately, given the way the injury-laden season has gone they really don't have that luxury.

Valerio's ongoing 'issue' is quite simply: defensive limitations render his bat an absolute must. Last year's numbers were extremely skewed by a prolonged slump and then, really, just unfortunate results. He was really getting a hold of balls in late summer and they very very often just went right to someone. The bat has to play. But, thankfully, it can - he can absolutely rake.

It was an action-packed full day of Brewers Minor League baseball. When all was said and done, the affiliates came away with a stalwart five victories in six contests. We had late game heroics in many a tilt - down in the ACL, in West Michigan, at Five County Stadium, and in Jacksonville. Let's get into the report! Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic Game Balls: RHP James Meeker gets a nod for his five consecutive K's and giving his team a chance to steal one late OF Michael Reed for his pivotal XBH's - a key two-run blast and a two-run double late. C Payton Henry (more below) continued his scorching hot work at the plate while calling a fantastic bullpen effort DH Darrien Miller poked a key sac fly early and then hit a pivotal and game-winning two-rbi single in the 8th inning. INF Felix Valerio continues a scorching hot run at the dish: 1 3B, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 R, 2 RBI in a 3-for-4 evening. Transactions: RHP Jacob Misiorowski was promoted to High-A Wisconsin from Low-A Carolina RHP Will Childers was promoted to Low-A Carolina from the ACL Brewers LHP Wande Torres was placed on ACL Brewers’ full season injured list RHP Aldrin Gonzales was placed on ACL Brewers’ full season injured list LHP Caden Vire was placed on ACL Brewers’ full season injured list Highlights from the MONTH that Was: INF Eric Brown Jr. was recognized as the Brewers Minor League Hitter in the Month for his May resurgence kickstarting the Timber Rattlers mini turnaround: And, newly arriving High-A ace RHP Jacob Misiorowski was recognized as the Brewers Pitcher of the Month for his fabulous May in Low-A Carolina: Final: Nashville 11, Jacksonville (Marlins) 4 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Sounds' site, game details, please visit and review: Late Offensive Explosion Leads Sounds to Win LHP Eric Lauer began his rehab tour as he looked to rebound from a disastrous start to his MLB campaign. The Sounds finally had a sixth starter in their clubhouse and I'm sure, rehab or not, manager Rick Sweet was pleased at the newfound flexibility heading into game 1 of a series. Lauer was actually fairly good early as he pounded the inside of the zone - no inning better than his second frame. However, as he has done most of 2023, he absolutely fell apart. He lost the zone up and away to righties consistently throughout. He gave up numerous liners and seeing eye hits. The 2-0 lead quickly evaporated to 2-3 and there was nobody out. He lasted a mere 2 2/3 IP. Thankfully, the Sounds bullpen simply shut it down from there. An incredible performance from the strength of the Sounds ball club. Three Quick Strikes: 1) Back to Lauer. A serious question could be asked at this point: Is Lauer in danger of a prolonged stay in Nashville? I only ask this given the same issues that have plagued him at the MLB level throughout 2023 were abundantly present tonight. He lacked control of his release point. He fell behind batters. He lacked any meaningful consistency. I know this is a rehab outing. I know the pitching staff up north is currently experiencing their own bout of injuries. But, I think it's fair to say Lauer needs to show something in Nashville. Tonight, he certainly did not. 2) C/DH Payton Henry continues his fantastic season for the Sounds. He has been on fire of late and that certainly didn't change tonight: 3) LHP Darrell Thompson's scoreless 1 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K effort was his third straight scoreless outing in June. You love to see these rebound efforts as he looks to find that shutdown success from his time in Biloxi up at Triple-A. Go take a look at that box score. There are big performances throughout - OF Michael Reed, INF Cam Devanney, LHP Clayton Andrews etc. The Sounds had 16 hits and every man in the line-up grabbed at least one knock. The 7-for-14 effort with RISP certainly helped. Final: Mississippi (Braves) 9, Biloxi 8 Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Shuckers' site, game details, please visit and review: Shuckers Tally Eight Runs, 13 Hits in Series-Opening Loss to M-Braves The feel good story of RHP Tobias Myers' very early season has transitioned to a question of "Is he at risk of seeing his season get away from him?" I've mentioned in recent starts his fastball has appeared to completely level off - it has become a very hittable pitch. I proposed in the game thread tonight his recent success, though fleeting, has largely arisen when he relegates that heater to a third offering or a pitch he simply mixes in. Well, tonight, Myers couldn't quite find what worked. He lost the Shuckers lead in his fifth and final inning - granted this was aided and abetted by LHP Russ Smith giving up a long ball in relief. This was very much a game the Shuckers could have won had they gotten just a little bit more from Myers or Smith. Three Quick Strikes: 1) On a night where LHP Russ Smith and RHP Tobias Myers continued to work through their ongoing issues, it was RHP James Meeker who demonstrated how far he has come in a year's time. Showcasing that new-look sexy curveball, sprinkling in a very effective slider and change-up, and changing levels throughout every AB with his low 90's heater Meeker calmly struck out the side in the bottom of the seventh inning after OF Jackson Chourio had left the bags dripping with a swinging strikeout of his own. Meeker continues to show the confidence and poise you look for as well as an ability to grow. I remain a big fan. 2) OF Jackson Chourio, INF/OF Tyler Black, and C Jeferson Quero get the vast majority of the public accolades and notoriety, but I'm going to point out the ongoing improved play and offensive output of INF Felix Valerio; INF Ethan Murray; and 1B/C Wes Clarke. Their play of late should absolutely not go unnoticed. All three men have been coming on in various ways over the past few weeks. All three men filled the stat sheet tonight. 3) Ok. Back to the accolades and the top ranked prospects. INF Tyler Black did tie the Shuckers franchise record tonight with his 27th consecutive game on base after ripping a triple high off the CF wall in the top of the fifth frame. There's a reason we love him so. Unfortunately, for the Shuckers, they just couldn't pull this one out. The game was very much a 9-8 affair and both teams had ample chances. Final: Wisconsin 4, West Michigan (Tigers) 2Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Timber Rattlers' site, game details, please visit and review: It's Miller Time for Wisconsin RHP Edwin Jimenez came to the hill with quite a bit less control than we've grown accustomed to - control he's demonstrated throughout the 2023 season to date. He fell to 3-0 on his first batter. He fell to 3-1 after an 0-1 count on his second batter. This was the first action I've seen from him all year where he regressed to his 2022 form. He managed to really locate the change-up, however, and found his way out of the jam with two punch outs and a weak pop fly to shallow CF. A really nice recovery. All in all, however, it wasn't a sharp outing by his 2023 standards. But, it's a testament to his resilience he managed to complete 5 IP and limit the damage: 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 2 ER. Three Quick Strikes: 1) The T-Rats drove the Whitecaps starting pitcher from the game after 2/3 IP. They drove his pitch count to 30 after INF Eduardo Garcia grounded into a force out at 2B. They led 2-0. They had men on the corners with two down. It could have been much worse, as well, when DH Darrien Miller crushed a potential grand slam down the RF that hooked foul by a matter of feet. Regardless, it's a fairly big win when you can drive the starter before the first inning is over. I don't imagine this was in the Whitecaps' game plan. Thankfully, Miller got his payback on that foul ball when he knocked in the winning runs in the eighth inning. 2) In a random bit of Brewers Minor League history, it's quite the thing to consider rehabbing INF Wily Adames played for the Tigers' West Michigan Whitecaps back in 2014. I wonder what was going through his mind as he visited his old stomping grounds from nine years back. He's had quite the journey since and I can't imagine he had this roadtrip on his baseball itinerary for 2023. 3) This was likely the best game I've seen from INF Robert Moore in over a month. He was everywhere on the infield. He was taking healthy swings at the dish. It was wonderful to witness. When he was in his funk, his swing was a proverbial mess. When he's at his best, like he was tonight, his swing is easy; level; and with limited movement. The double in the first inning was hit very well. He made a key diving stop to end an early inning threat with the toss to Adames at 2B. It's games like these that remind us how talented he is. Miles to go, but this was a nice bounceback outing. He ends his evening 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. He did get caught stealing for the sixth time on the young season - a surprising tally. Final: Carolina 7, Fayetteville (Astros) 6Box Score / Game Log Game Notes Via the Mudcats' site, game details, please visit and review: Perez and Perez Power Mudcats to Comeback Victory Clinging to a 0.5 game lead over red hot Down East with just 16 days before the first half is over, the Mudcats were looking for some home cooking versus Carolina League South's last place Fayetteville Woodpeckers. It's hard to believe, but the Mudcats are only 0.500 at their home park. RHP Will Rudy looked to stake his claim as the Mudcats first half Ace now that Misiorowski is up north in Wisconsin. He was a tad rusty to start things off but, boy, he found the zone early and often in the second frame. He grabbed two K's in the inning and also benefited from a fantastic sliding catch by RF Kaylan Nicasia down the shallow RF foul line. Rudy did give up his first home run on his young season via a two-run shot down the right field line as the Woodpeckers grabbed a 2-0 lead in the third frame. They tacked on another run in the fourth inning on an extremely weakly hit dribbler that found its way into the LF grass. Having given up only two runs on the season, Rudy suddenly saw an 0-3 deficit on the scoreboard. It was his least productive outing in terms of end result but, aside from the two-run blast (a no doubter), I would simply state the contact wasn't really worrisome. He'll look to sharpen his tools for his next trip to the hill. But, really, he'll look for better luck. Three Quick Strikes: 1) It didn't look good early for the Mudcats' bats with Woodpeckers starter RHP Jose Fleury keeping the entire lineup off balance and on their heels with an extremely good blend of a curveball to change-up all over the zone. He kept the Mudcats batters guessing further with some heat sprinkled in for good measure. There just wasn't a lot to hit. A tip of the cap is due for Fleury. He was very very good early. But, as the Mudcats have done all season, they started putting in professional AB's and they drove him from the game before the fifth frame was over. 2) It was OF Hedbert Perez and his line drive two-run blast over the RF wall that got the tying rally going in the 9th inning. It was a classic Perez liner. Easy swing. Great launch angle. Line drive. Suddenly, with his second homer of 2023, it was a mere 5-6 deficit. Pivotal two-out knocks by INF Gregory Barrios and Alexander Perez (with the automatic double) tied the game at six runs apiece. We were on to Extras! 3) Before the start of the 10th inning, Mudcats announcer Greg Young shared the Woodpeckers had yet to score a run in extra innings on the year. They failed to do so again tonight when their 10th frame ended in a 6-4-3 double play. If you want to look at reasons why Fayetteville started their early season in first place and now find themselves with the worst record in the Carolina League, that's certainly one place to look. That is an extremely tough situational hitting pill to swallow for any manager. Final: ACL Brewers 2, ACL Rangers 1 Box Score/Game Log Two DSL pitching standouts from 2022 debuted tonight in the ACL achieving very similar successes. 19-year-old LHP Osbriel Mogollon grabbed the starting nod and pitched a very effective 5 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 ER outing. His stablemate, 19-year-old LHP Anfernny Reyes, was perhaps even more impressive in his stellar 2 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 4 K. INF Juan Baez continued his clutch ways of the very early going knocking in OF Reidy Mercado for the go-ahead run on a single in the eighth inning. RHP Darling Solano struggled with free passes giving up 4 BB's in 1 1/3 IP late. It was up to 20-year-old RHP Jose Chavez, in his third year in the Brewers ACL, to try and end a two men on and one out scenario in relief of Solano in the 9th and the ACL Brewers clinging to a 2-1 lead. He was very much up to the challenge striking out the only two batters he faced. Final: DSL Brewers #1 5, DSL Brewers #2 0Box Score/Game Log Well, someone had to lose. The DSL Brewers Uno y Dos clashed head-to-head in just their second game of the DSL season. The Brewers Uno prevailed 5-0 - all runs came in the first two innings and held for the duration. The DSL Brewers #1 pitching staff - led by 17-year-old Nicaraguan starter RHP Enniel Crotez's 5 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 ER - held the Brewers #2 to a single hit over a standard DSL 7-inning affair. 19-year-old RHP Yeferson Tales did manage to grab the Save after RHP Roman Perez (now pitching in his second DSL Brewers season) walked the bases full in the 6th frame. Tales went 1 1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 2 K. INF Kevin Ereu continued impacting the end result in just his second game: 1-for-2, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB (his 3rd in two games). Contrary to yesterday's struggle with RISP, the DSL Brewers #1 capitalized on a 4-for-8 mark with RISP. An interesting aside, as our very own @damuellementioned HERE with his astute baseball eyes, we do appear to have our second two-way prospect (RHP/1B/DH Quinton Low in Low-A Carolina being the other) in the DSL: 17-year-old RHP Argenis Aparicio is also, apparently, a switch-hitter. He went 0-for-2 with a BB in the DH spot today for the DSL Brewers #1. The DSL Brewers (and the ACL Brewers) return to action Thursday. The DSL and ACL Brewers may have off tomorrow but, fear not, we have two double-headers for Nashville and Carolina as they seek to make-up previously postponed contests - no rest for us weary Minor League aficionados. Looking at the listed starters for tomorrow's tilts, I have to say I'm leaning heavy toward Carolina (yet again) with their RHP Quinton Low and RHP Aidan Maldonado pairing. As always, thanks for reading. And, thank you for supporting Brewers Minor League baseball! Organizational Scoreboard including starting pitcher info, game times, MiLB TV links, and box scoresCurrent Milwaukee Brewers Organization Batting Stats and DepthCurrent Milwaukee Brewers Organization Pitching Stats and Depth View full article

Talk about a mixed emotions Transaction log. YAY! Wait, what? UGH! Whew.

I think the Introductory Griffin presser is today? Signing official as of last night. Yep:

It's time for Brewers affiliated baseball 7-days a week. Whew dang we're back again! With the DSL and ACL Brewers playing their opening games, we had both the DLS 1 and 2 kicking it off South of the border and we had the now condensed ACL Brewers playing down in Arizona. It was a wonderful 3-0 debut for Team Brewers. Let's just get right into the report! Image courtesy of Brewer Fanatic Transactions: INF Mike Brosseau was optioned to the Nashville Sounds from the Milwaukee Brewers INF Luis Urias was activated by the Milwaukee Brewers - he had previously been rehabbing with the Sounds AND, we have a proverbial buffet of activity and announcements in the DSL./ACL realm. Due to the massive number of transactions in and amongst all teams, I am simply going to let you sift through all the names and movement HERE or, hey, get frisky and visit our Transactions Thread HERE. By the early afternoon, PST, I counted 47 assignments and named roster moves amongst the DSL and ACL squads. 😳 Of possible special note in the slurry of transactions, and astutely pointed out by our very own @damuelle HERE, is the fact the Brewers have indeed promoted 17-year-old Venezuelan flamethrower RHP Aldrin Gonazlez directly stateside to the ACL: Game Balls: Last year's highest paid (bonus pool) International Free Agent pitching signee, LHP Anthony Flores, was phenomenal in his first outing of 2023. After a mostly disappointing 2022, it is absolutely wonderful to see a 4 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 8 K first trip to the hill. This included striking out the side in the first frame. OF Antony Gomez got aboard the bags three times in his first game - a single and two free passes. He also swiped 4 bases. Count them: 4. We'll honor that type of impact any day of the week. Cuban outfielder, Idalberto Santiesteban, opened his Brewers career with a 4-for-4 day at the dish (1 2B). A heck of a debut for the 18-year-old November 2022 signee. DH/1B/OF Yeison Perez had an incredible debut for the ACL Brewers. Maybe, just maybe, the coaching staff will re-consider batting him in the 9-Hole. A solo jack and a bases clearing triple in the pivotal sixth inning filled out his 2-for-4, 4 RBI evening. INF Jhonny Severino had a fantastic debut stateside after a solid DSL season in 2022. 3-for-5, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 R, 1 RBI is what we call 'the stuff'. ** Honorable Mention: I need to give a nod to OF Reidy Mercado and his three-bagger as well as two outfield assists from CF. Fine work for the young outfielder. And, finally, INF Juan Baez really came on in key situations in the late innings to advance the above-mentioned Severino into scoring position or across the dish. He also added a double in the 9th frame to complete a 3-for-5 evening. Final: DSL Brewers #1 4, DSL Athletics 2 Box Score/Game Log Seven of nine starters in this debut are first year DSL Brewers players - quite exciting. The highlight of this game was the above-mentioned performance by LHP Anthony Flores. However, the entire pitching staff had 17 K's on the day - RHP Jesael Cabrera (3 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 ER, 6K) and RHP Yonawil Florimon (2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 ER, 3 K) tag teamed quite well aiding a winning end result. The Brewers Uno did manage 12 hits, however they were quite inept on the day with RISP (3-for-14). They will look to improve that production moving forward. Aside from the standout performance of OF Idalberto Santiesteban, we see highly-touted signee 17-year-old INF Kevin Ereu was 1-for-3, 2 BB, 1 K, and 2 SB. A solid debut showing in his own right. Final: DSL Brewers #2 11, DSL Braves 7 Box Score/Game Log As above, seven of nine starters in this DSL Brewers #2 debut are first year Brewers players. Leading 9-2 after three innings and 11-3 after six innings, the Brewers Dos managed to hold on - the most important result for these young men. In true DSL fashion, three of the Brewers #2 four first runs reached via error or wild pitch. Ah, the scintillating tastes of summer baseball in the DSL! Another inept performance with RISP for the DSL Brewers, the Dos managed a meager 3-for-17 in such scenarios. Let's remember: these are extremely young men on the baseball diamond and they're looking to make their best first impressions. Nicaraguan starter, 17-year-old Bryan Rivera, got the opening nod here (his second DSL season for the Brewers) and though he gave up three earned runs in 4 1/3 IP (2 HR) we do see a significant jump in K's with 7 on the day. This might be something to track moving forward. Of particular note, scanning the box score, is the productivity from the bottom of the Brewers #2 batting order: a combined 4-for-10, 2 BB, 2 K, 5 R, 4 RBI, 1 2B, 1 SB amongst the trio of INF Luis Lameda; INF Pedro Ibarguen; and INF/OF Smarlin Espinal. Final: ACL Brewers 8, ACL Rangers 4 Box Score/Game Log It's no secret 1B/OF/DH Yeison Perez was a man crush of mine in last summer's DSL season. When I tuned into the play-by-play and saw they had put him in the 9-hole of the batting order I nearly gasped. "How could they?!?"😅 I imagine that may change quite soon. He did the very same thing tonight we saw throughout 2022 down in the DSL: mash. A solo jack in the fifth frame. A bases clearing lead-taking triple to the deepest part of the park in the sixth frame. Zesty! INF's Jhonny Severino and Juan Baez, as alluded to above, were pivotal in the top of the order. After trailing throughout the early going 3-1, the Brewers really came on in the sixth frame plating five runs. It was a lead they would not relinquish. A special tip of the proverbial cap is due to RHP Gerson Calzadilla who shut things down throughout the key late innings ensuring the ACL Brewers victory in a scoreless 4 IP. View full article

We have a bevy if DSL assignments today. I am simply going to copy/paste from the Transaction Wire: 06/05/23 RHP Aldrin Gonzalez assigned to ACL Brewers. 06/05/23 LHP Caden Vire assigned to ACL Brewers. 06/05/23 LHP Wande Torres assigned to ACL Brewers from DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 SS Joan Gutierrez assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 SS Eduardo Charles assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Gabriel Colmenarez assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Roman Perez assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 SS Luiyin Alastre assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Daurys Mora assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Enniel Cortez assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Eric Prado assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 LHP Anthony Flores assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Oliver Camilo assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 SS Jhon Bencosme assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 LHP Jose Meneses assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 SS Tyler Rodriguez assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 RHP Saul Sanchez assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 OF Pedro Tovar assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 OF Irving Igualas assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 C Brayan Oropeza assigned to DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 LHP Wande Torres assigned to ACL Brewers from DSL Brewers 1. 06/05/23 SS Luis Lameda assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Justin Caceres assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Ismael Yanez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 OF Christopher Vasquez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 CF Ramon Moreno assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Dikember Sanchez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 OF Danny Puerta assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 SS Pedro Ibarguen assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 C Roman La Torre assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Linbel Jimenez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Carlos Maurera assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Melvin Hernandez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 SS Filippo Di Turi assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Lenin Mendez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 LF Fabricio Valera assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Jesus Flores assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Leonardo Rivera assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Elias Gonzalez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Ranwell Smith assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 C Freider Rojas assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Aneuris Rodriguez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 SS Roderick Flores assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Bryan Rivera assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 OF Antony Gomez assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 OF Smarlin Espinal assigned to DSL Brewers 2. 06/05/23 RHP Luis Guevara assigned to DSL Brewers 2.

Terry Stotts lead assistant. I can not impart how utterly AWESOME this is. He's an offensive design savant: This. Is. Huge. Can I get out the first: "Bring Dame Home." chant?

Very strange moment. I think Naquin wanted a challenge but the umpire doesn't have to grant a challenge (which is very odd) BUT in this case the Sounds didn't actually have any challenges left😅. So, they got into a minor war of words - it actually seemed fairly benign. And, then the ump just tossed him. Naquin was not pleased as you can imagine. In the ensuing hoolabaloo arranging the replacement player, a hoodie-wearing RHP Tyson Miller was tossed from the top rail - obviously, he was saying something the ump was not to pleased with. The count was 2-and-2 so he technically wasn't 'technically' called out on strikes but OF Noah Campbell was but the K goes to Naquin. That's a lottta words for ya.😅

@Mass Haas: Patrick Dorrian was caught off 1B and had to break for 2B where Big Jon was standing. Stuck suddenly in an 'Oh s#$%!' moment, Singleton being the teammate he is took off for 3B. Hence, he was picked off.

It's only appropriate a Mudcats pitcher gets this award. The entire staff - top to bottom (for the most part) - has been fantastic. An intentional nod to the catching outfit - C Matt Wood was rightfully promoted but this emphatically should not take a single thing away from the ongoing work of Sibrian and Diaz who have absolutely fantastic on all sides of the dish. I'll casually toss out the sudden surge of RHP Tyler Wehrle who has really caught my eye in recent outings. AND, a young man from just down the way from my farmstead in Spokane County, WA RHP Nick Merkel has really fine-tuned his offerings in a very very short timeframe. Earlier in the season, Merkel was finding himself - how his mix plays. He doesn't have the velo you'd expect in a man who shares the same height as Misiorowski, but, he has a massive 12-6 breaking ball that he has absolutely come into form. He's using his mix to perfection of late and I'm here for it. Yet another name to watch in the vaunted Mudcats staff. The thing that isn't an advanced stat, or statistically measurable in any way, that I absolutely love about RHP Will Rudy's game is he brings that former shortstop over-confident swagger that borders on arrogance. A bit of "F-You" on the hill, if you will. He is cocky when he has that ball in hand and I love it. He is in charge. The ump is an ornament in the frame. The batter is something he is to dominate and conquer. If this is the beginning of his career, we should be very excited to see how he grow and evolves. An incredible start and as you say @Smichaelis9, he is literally only just scratching the surface. I should also note: Go back and watch Rudy's second inning versus the Wood Ducks last week (Tuesday opening game on 5/23?). Robbed of a gorgeous 3-2 94 mph dart on the inner half to walk first batter. Clearly not pleased. Next batter spins a 3000 + rpm inside breaking ball called just inside (probably was) - gorgeous pitch. Mistake hanger next pitch ball goes to left center gap - fantastic play (showing why the Mudcats lead the Carolina League in fielding % and several other defensive categories) by Lara to Vargas nabs runner trying to stretch into a two bagger. Nails his final pitch where Sibrian frames it - an inside heater with nice rise jamming for a pop-up to shallow shallow RF. Just an inning that shows a little bit of everything outside the change-up.

I see C Blayberg Diaz was behind the dish last night. One of my most recent up-and-coming catching stable favorites. Just for a bit of insight (in the linked Game Notes above): I can't overstate how incredibly impressive the duo of Diaz and Sibrian is for Carolina. I will put them against any catching duo in Low-A and High-A. They are that good.

Not to mention the Mudcats are barely clinging to a 1/2 game lead. I said it this past weekend and I'll say it again here: that completely canceled Down East doubleheader this past weekend could be the difference in the first half. It was a truly unfortunate weather bomb. Why is this important? Well, beyond the obvious that we want our beloved Low-A affiliate to get into the playoffs the Mudcats also hold the current MILB worst 13-year playoff drought. They have to get that monkey off the back! As to when the first half officially ends, Greg Young discussed it in one of the Down East broadcasts last week? I'll go back and find it. 😝

OTA's this week. It appears Doubs and Love have built good chemistry this off-season as he is an early 'Go To' guy. And, reports coming out are glowing re: TE Luke Musgrave who is causing big headaches down the seam. Several comments of the "...he's just different than what we've had here..." AND, obvious addendum: this is OTA's. The AFL of the NFL season. It's fun to track but we can generally toss this out the window. Lots of injured absences (No Douglas, Jaire, Kraft, Dubose, Bakhtiari etc)

It is absolutely classic Bucks to have their two beat writers with zero scoop and zero interviews of purported new HC Adrian Griffin when we are now just about two weeks from the informal Woj announcement. Not even a single word or insight on a possible coaching staff? Nothing about the official announcement - is this delayed is the delay due to trying to assemble a coaching staff? Did Monty Williams' ridiculously large contract influence contractual negotiations OR are those already complete? Bucks will always Buck. The more things change...😂